SCOTT HIBBERT OF BLACKBURN ATTACKS DOG IN POLICE VAN - HORRIFIC CRUELTY REVEALED

Scott Anthony Hibbert, a resident of Redlam in Blackburn, has been convicted of a disturbing act of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community and garnered significant attention from law enforcement authorities. Born around 1997, Hibbert’s name has become synonymous with violence and misconduct, but his latest conviction adds a particularly heinous chapter to his criminal record.

According to court proceedings held at Blackburn magistrates, Hibbert, who is known for his long history of violent behavior and drug addiction, launched a brutal assault on his own dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, under circumstances that are both disturbing and alarming. The incident took place after the dog had been placed in a cage inside the back of a police van, a situation that should have been a temporary and controlled environment. Instead, it became the scene of a violent attack that has left witnesses and authorities deeply disturbed.

Witnesses and officers present at the scene described Hibbert’s actions in graphic detail. The court heard that Hibbert repeatedly kicked and punched the dog, exhibiting a level of aggression that was described as “horrific” by a female police officer who witnessed the assault firsthand. The officer recounted seeing Hibbert swing the dog by a metal chain around its neck, an act that caused significant concern for the animal’s welfare. The situation escalated further when Hibbert, in a fit of rage, grabbed the dog with both hands and began throttling her, an act that was described as the most violent and disturbing behavior towards an animal the officer had ever seen in her career.

During the attack, the dog was visibly distressed, yet Hibbert continued his assault until the animal was rendered silent. The police intervened and eventually removed the dog from the van, but the damage had already been done. The officer expressed her shock and horror at the incident, stating that if Hibbert’s behavior in public was so aggressive, she could only imagine how he might have treated the dog behind closed doors.

Hibbert’s account of the incident was markedly different. When questioned by officers, he denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the police officers were lying and that he would never harm the dog. He also dismissed witness statements, telling officers to “shut up” when they read out the accounts of his violent actions.

Legal proceedings revealed that Hibbert, despite his young age, has accumulated multiple convictions related to violence and intimidation. His history underscores a pattern of aggressive behavior and disregard for the law. The prosecution, led by Tracy Yates, outlined the sequence of events that began at approximately 8:30 a.m. on May 19 at an address on New Wellington Street in Blackburn. Witnesses observed Hibbert leaving the premises and kicking two cars parked nearby. Prior to the police arriving, he was seen punching his dog and exhibiting signs of intoxication, as he was reportedly heavily under the influence of substances at the time.

Mrs. Yates detailed the witnesses’ accounts, emphasizing the brutality of Hibbert’s actions. She described how he was covered in blood and was placed in the back of a police van along with the dog. The witness recounted Hibbert screaming directly into the dog’s face during the attack, further illustrating the severity of his violent outburst. The court was told that Hibbert’s assault involved multiple kicks, punches, and the swinging of the dog by her chain, culminating in him grabbing her by the throat and beginning to throttle her. The dog, already agitated, eventually fell silent, a sign of the trauma inflicted upon her.

Following the incident, the police officers involved expressed their profound concern. One officer stated that she had never seen such aggressive behavior towards an animal in her entire career. She also expressed her suspicion that if Hibbert’s public conduct was so violent, it was likely that his treatment of the dog behind closed doors was even more severe.

Hibbert’s attempt to deny the allegations was met with skepticism. During police interviews, he insisted that the officers were lying and that he had never harmed the dog. When presented with witness statements, he responded dismissively, telling officers to “shut up.”

In his defense, lawyer Jonathan Taylor acknowledged Hibbert’s troubled background, suggesting that he could benefit from support from the probation service. Taylor explained that Hibbert had been drinking heavily the night before and had recently fallen out with his brother. He claimed that Hibbert’s frustration led him to kick the cars and that he had always tried to care for his dog, describing her as a “highly strung animal.” Taylor also pointed out that Hibbert’s placement in the police van with the dog was inappropriate and that Hibbert was deeply ashamed of his actions, expressing remorse and regret for what transpired.

Sentencing resulted in a 12-month community order, which includes 40 days of rehabilitation activities. Hibbert was also subjected to a curfew and ordered to pay a total of £285 in compensation and charges. Additionally, he was banned from keeping animals for three years, although this ban expired in 2022. The case has left a lasting impression on the Blackburn community, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement against cruelty and violence.