RORY KNOX FROM HELENSBURGH INVOLVED IN SHOCKING ANIMAL ABUSE IN EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE AND MILTON OF CAMPSIE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Helensburgh and Milton of Campsie, Rory Knox, born around 1982 and residing at Scott Court, Helensburgh G84 8BS, was convicted in 2022 of a heinous act involving animal cruelty. The incident, which has garnered significant attention, involved Knox inserting a sex toy into a female dog, which subsequently became lodged inside her, causing her considerable distress and suffering.

The incident took place on April 18, 2021, at the home of the dog’s owner in Milton of Campsie, East Dunbartonshire. The dog belonged to Knox’s then-partner, and he was alone with the animal at the time of the incident. According to reports, Knox called his partner afterward to confess what he had done, revealing a disturbing level of remorse and shame.

During the court proceedings, fiscal depute Ross Harris recounted Knox’s own words: “He asked if she could speak. He stated, ‘I have went and done something really stupid’. He went on to say he was playing about with the dog and got the sex toy stuck inside her.”

Following the incident, the dog’s owner noticed her pet appeared stressed and swollen. Knox repeatedly asked her not to take the dog to the vet, claiming he would be arrested if she did. Despite his pleas, the owner decided to seek veterinary assistance the next day. The vet’s clinical director later spoke with the owner, noting that the dog’s external genital area was swollen and dry, but initially appeared calm and not in distress. An initial examination did not reveal any immediate issues, but further tests, including X-rays and a rectal examination, confirmed the presence of an 8-10cm sex toy lodged inside the dog.

The veterinarian informed the owner that they would report the matter to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). The owner expressed her agreement, mentioning she had been contemplating calling the police herself. Knox’s partner called him to inform him of the vet bill, which amounted to £338, and he transferred the money into her bank account.

Meanwhile, Knox, who had returned to his hometown of Helensburgh, was visited by police officers and arrested in the early hours of April 20, 2021. During police questioning, Knox refused to answer any questions, replying only with “no comment,” and remained in custody as investigations continued. The police seized photographs of the sex toy and X-ray images from the vet’s office. The owner also stated that the sex toy was similar to one she had purchased for Knox as a joke during Christmas.

Knox was formally charged and, upon pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animal, appeared in court for sentencing. His legal representative acknowledged that the incident had ended a lengthy relationship and described Knox’s life at the time as chaotic, with a significant cocaine addiction influencing his behavior. The lawyer emphasized that Knox’s actions were bizarre and that he clearly needed help, suggesting that supervised treatment could prevent future offenses. The defense also highlighted Knox’s acceptance of responsibility, including covering the vet bill and his guilty plea.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Shona Gilroy expressed relief that the dog did not sustain long-term injuries but criticized Knox’s apparent self-pity regarding the incident. She indicated that her concern extended to understanding Knox’s motivations behind the offense.

As a result, Knox was sentenced to a one-year supervision order and a 100-day tagging order. Additionally, he was disqualified from owning or being responsible for any animals for a period of seven years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need for strict penalties to prevent recurrence of such cruelty.