RAFAL GOLABEK FROM CLYDEBANK CONVICTED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE IN DUMBARTON

Rafal Golabek, also known as Sasha Ivankow, born around 1992 and residing on Kirkoswald Drive, Clydebank G81 2DB, was recorded on CCTV physically abusing a white American bulldog in a lift within a block of flats.

Golabek pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by repeatedly punching and kicking its head and body. He later told social workers that he was play-fighting with his pet during the incident in a lift at Garscadden View, North Drumry, and made a dark joke about not getting caught next time.

Fiscal depute Claire O’Hagan told Dumbarton Sheriff Court that Golabek and a friend were captured on CCTV entering the high-rise flats on the evening of May 30, 2021. While waiting for an elevator, he was seen berating the dog before pulling it into the lift by its chain and then kicking it. Despite his friend’s attempts to intervene and stop the cruelty, the 30-year-old continued to repeatedly punch and kick the dog on its head and body.

The following day, police reviewed the CCTV footage and checked on the dog's wellbeing. A few days later, in the early hours of June 5, Golabek was seen walking the dog, which was subsequently seized by the police.

Ms. O’Hagan mentioned that during his police interview, Golabek claimed he was 'play-fighting with the dog.'

Golabek appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on August 9, 2022, for sentencing, where CCTV footage of the attack was played. Defense lawyer Phil Lafferty told Sheriff John Hamilton that this was a distressing case but noted that the dog was not harmed, calling it a marginal comfort. Lafferty also highlighted Golabek’s failure to present himself positively during social work interviews and suggested that his comment about not being caught was 'black humor,' not intended seriously.

Lafferty expressed concern over Golabek’s standing in the community and acknowledged that he would not be trusted with animals again, calling the offence 'nasty.'

Sheriff Hamilton questioned Golabek’s motives for owning the dog, suggesting it was an attempt to appear more masculine, and emphasized that animal abuse, such as hitting dogs, is unacceptable. Addressing Golabek directly, the sheriff said he was not convinced Golabek grasped the seriousness of his actions.

The court sentenced Golabek to 220 hours of unpaid community work and 12 months of social work supervision. Additionally, he was banned from keeping any animals for 18 months, with the ban set to expire in February 2024.