VINCENT GRANT OF BELMONT SHAMES ANIMAL IN CRUELTY INCIDENT IN INGLEBY BARWICK

Vincent Grant, a man with a troubling history of violence, was involved in a heinous act that shocked the local community in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees. The incident took place at his residence on Longleat Walk, where he was accused of causing the death of a defenseless dog named Tilly, a five-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel known for her gentle and friendly nature.

According to reports, Grant was left alone in his home with Tilly for only a few minutes after her owner had stepped out to give a friend a lift. During this brief period, an unimaginable act of cruelty occurred. When the owner returned, she was greeted by the distressing sounds of her dog yelping in pain. What she saw was heartbreaking: Tilly was cowering and limping, her small frame visibly injured and frightened.

Grant initially claimed that Tilly had bitten him, asserting that the dog, which was typically docile, had attacked him. He explained to the police that he had gone to her to apologize for accidentally stepping on her paw. According to his account, he had only intended to stroke her and had reacted by hitting her with the back of his hand or fist when she bit him. However, this version of events was soon contradicted during further questioning.

In a more detailed confession, Grant admitted that he had kicked Tilly two or three times while wearing heavy Timberland boots. This was a significant detail, especially considering his earlier claim that he had slippers on at the time. The post-mortem examination of Tilly revealed the extent of the brutality inflicted upon her. She had suffered five broken ribs and a punctured lung, injuries that ultimately led to her death later that evening.

The court heard that Grant, a father of two, caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. His actions were described as cruel and unjustifiable. During the proceedings, Tony Jackson, representing Grant, noted that the defendant had consumed four or five pints of alcohol on the day of the incident, which may have influenced his behavior.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order with supervision, along with 200 hours of unpaid work. Grant was also ordered to pay £1,483 in compensation to the owner and cover £85 in court costs. Additionally, he was banned from keeping animals for five years, although this ban had already expired in April 2016.

This tragic case has once again highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict penalties against those who commit such acts of cruelty. The community in Belmont and Ingleby Barwick continues to mourn the loss of Tilly and hopes that justice serves as a deterrent to others who might consider harming innocent animals.