RICHARD CANLIN'S BRUTAL CRIMES IN LANGLEY MILL AND DERBYSHIRE REVEALED
| Red Rose Database
Langley Mill Animal Abuser
Richard Canlin, born on August 24, 1978, has a disturbing history of animal cruelty and violent crimes that have shocked communities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Previously residing in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, he later moved to Elnor Street in Langley Mill, Nottingham, where his heinous acts against animals and subsequent criminal behavior have left a trail of devastation.
Canlin’s most notorious offenses involve the brutal abuse and murder of two Staffordshire-type dogs, Leyla and Daisy. These incidents occurred over a period stretching from April to October 2012, during which Canlin subjected the animals to relentless violence. The severity of the injuries inflicted was so extreme that they prompted immediate concern from veterinary professionals and law enforcement alike.
Initially, Canlin denied any responsibility for the injuries sustained by the dogs, claiming that they had been involved in a traffic accident. However, veterinary examinations painted a different picture. A veterinarian testified that the injuries—such as head trauma, fractured ribs, and signs of strangulation—were consistent with deliberate abuse. This evidence led to Canlin’s admission of guilt on five charges during a hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates Court on May 1, 2013.
The case took a particularly gruesome turn when Daisy’s body was discovered in 2012. Her lifeless form was found concealed inside a holdall in Canlin’s cellar, revealing the horrific extent of her suffering. She had suffered multiple head traumas, fractured ribs, and was reported to have been strangled. The discovery of her body shocked the community and underscored the cruelty inflicted upon her.
In addition to the physical injuries, Canlin was also charged with neglecting to provide necessary veterinary care for Daisy’s eye injury, further highlighting his disregard for the animals’ well-being. Leyla, the second dog, was found four months later, visibly cowering at the top of a staircase and suffering from head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. The charges against Canlin for Leyla’s suffering included causing unnecessary pain and failing to seek appropriate veterinary treatment.
Prosecutor Brian Orsborn emphasized that the injuries inflicted on the dogs were deliberate, with blows to the head being a primary concern. RSPCA inspector Nick Wheelhouse described the case as “extremely horrific and disturbing,” recounting the distressing discovery of Daisy’s body and the bloodstains on the floor of Canlin’s property.
During the court proceedings, Canlin’s defense attorney, Felicity Clarke, argued that her client suffered from psychopathic tendencies. She explained that Canlin had a troubled childhood, having been placed in care at a young age due to family violence. Clarke claimed that Canlin had been hearing voices and experiencing blackouts since childhood, and described him as having an exceptionally low level of intelligence—stating, “99 percent of the population are more intelligent than him.”
Canlin himself admitted to not remembering the specific events leading to the injuries but acknowledged that he must have caused them. As a result, he was sentenced to 23 weeks in prison and received a lifetime ban on keeping animals, a measure aimed at preventing further cruelty.
In a broader criminal context, Richard Canlin’s violent history extends beyond animal abuse. In October 2020, he was convicted of the murder of his landlady, Nicola Stevenson, in Lewes. The court heard that Canlin carried out a frenzied attack on Ms. Stevenson, striking her at least 11 times with a hammer. Her partially decomposed remains were discovered in a wheelie bin in November 2019. The judge described Canlin as “a consistent and persistent liar” with a moderate personality disorder, noting his manipulative behavior and lack of remorse.
Ms. Stevenson had previously reached out to police, emailing a report on October 10, the day she was killed, expressing fears about her lodger’s abusive behavior. The court inferred that Canlin’s jealousy and resentment towards her, possibly fueled by her independence and social care, motivated the attack. Her mother, Jennifer Ashby, described her daughter’s death as “an act of horror,” emphasizing her feisty and determined nature and lamenting that “no parent should ever have to bury their child.”
Following the conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday commented on the case, stating that Ms. Stevenson had been kind enough to allow Canlin to stay at her flat on Stansfield Road. When she asked him to leave, he exploited her kindness and attacked her. He then continued to live in her property, spending her money and telling friends she had gone away, showing a complete disregard for her life and well-being. This case underscores the severity of Canlin’s violent tendencies and his capacity for cruelty across different contexts, from animal abuse to murder.
Canlin’s most notorious offenses involve the brutal abuse and murder of two Staffordshire-type dogs, Leyla and Daisy. These incidents occurred over a period stretching from April to October 2012, during which Canlin subjected the animals to relentless violence. The severity of the injuries inflicted was so extreme that they prompted immediate concern from veterinary professionals and law enforcement alike.
Initially, Canlin denied any responsibility for the injuries sustained by the dogs, claiming that they had been involved in a traffic accident. However, veterinary examinations painted a different picture. A veterinarian testified that the injuries—such as head trauma, fractured ribs, and signs of strangulation—were consistent with deliberate abuse. This evidence led to Canlin’s admission of guilt on five charges during a hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates Court on May 1, 2013.
The case took a particularly gruesome turn when Daisy’s body was discovered in 2012. Her lifeless form was found concealed inside a holdall in Canlin’s cellar, revealing the horrific extent of her suffering. She had suffered multiple head traumas, fractured ribs, and was reported to have been strangled. The discovery of her body shocked the community and underscored the cruelty inflicted upon her.
In addition to the physical injuries, Canlin was also charged with neglecting to provide necessary veterinary care for Daisy’s eye injury, further highlighting his disregard for the animals’ well-being. Leyla, the second dog, was found four months later, visibly cowering at the top of a staircase and suffering from head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. The charges against Canlin for Leyla’s suffering included causing unnecessary pain and failing to seek appropriate veterinary treatment.
Prosecutor Brian Orsborn emphasized that the injuries inflicted on the dogs were deliberate, with blows to the head being a primary concern. RSPCA inspector Nick Wheelhouse described the case as “extremely horrific and disturbing,” recounting the distressing discovery of Daisy’s body and the bloodstains on the floor of Canlin’s property.
During the court proceedings, Canlin’s defense attorney, Felicity Clarke, argued that her client suffered from psychopathic tendencies. She explained that Canlin had a troubled childhood, having been placed in care at a young age due to family violence. Clarke claimed that Canlin had been hearing voices and experiencing blackouts since childhood, and described him as having an exceptionally low level of intelligence—stating, “99 percent of the population are more intelligent than him.”
Canlin himself admitted to not remembering the specific events leading to the injuries but acknowledged that he must have caused them. As a result, he was sentenced to 23 weeks in prison and received a lifetime ban on keeping animals, a measure aimed at preventing further cruelty.
In a broader criminal context, Richard Canlin’s violent history extends beyond animal abuse. In October 2020, he was convicted of the murder of his landlady, Nicola Stevenson, in Lewes. The court heard that Canlin carried out a frenzied attack on Ms. Stevenson, striking her at least 11 times with a hammer. Her partially decomposed remains were discovered in a wheelie bin in November 2019. The judge described Canlin as “a consistent and persistent liar” with a moderate personality disorder, noting his manipulative behavior and lack of remorse.
Ms. Stevenson had previously reached out to police, emailing a report on October 10, the day she was killed, expressing fears about her lodger’s abusive behavior. The court inferred that Canlin’s jealousy and resentment towards her, possibly fueled by her independence and social care, motivated the attack. Her mother, Jennifer Ashby, described her daughter’s death as “an act of horror,” emphasizing her feisty and determined nature and lamenting that “no parent should ever have to bury their child.”
Following the conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday commented on the case, stating that Ms. Stevenson had been kind enough to allow Canlin to stay at her flat on Stansfield Road. When she asked him to leave, he exploited her kindness and attacked her. He then continued to live in her property, spending her money and telling friends she had gone away, showing a complete disregard for her life and well-being. This case underscores the severity of Canlin’s violent tendencies and his capacity for cruelty across different contexts, from animal abuse to murder.