A man from Freshwater who swung his dog around by its lead in front of shocked locals has admitted causing suffering to a protected animal.
Gary Sparkes, 52, of Sunset Close in Freshwater pleaded guilty to 1 count of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal (dog) when he appeared in front of Magistrates yesterday (Friday).
Liz Miller, prosecuting, said that the incident occurred on 17th August and saw Sparkes swing his dog, Shane, round by its neck, in full view of several members of the public. The dog was taken off Sparkes by his wife and the animal luckily suffered no injuries.
A video was shown to the bench of Magistrates, but Sparkes, who was told he should watch or the bench would make a note, declined not to.
Defending himself, Sparkes said that he was absolutely mortified with his actions and described his actions as a result of his alcoholism. He also added that he would have to leave his wife if the dog was removed due to being ashamed of his actions and that he was a conscientious animal owner.
The 52-year-old also went on to say he had been a drug user his whole life and that he was also actively seeking help from Alcoholics Anonymous and Inclusion for alcohol-related issues. He described the incident as ‘bottom of the barrel’.
Sparkes will be due back in court on 2nd December for sentencing. A pre-sentence report is to be compiled by that time.
Take that dog away! If he done that in public, what the hell would he do to it behind closed doors. It should’ve been taken away immediately.
There is absolutely no excuse for causing suffering to an animal. Sparkes you are the scrappings of the bottom of a barrel
Trying to keep the dog by basically offering an ultimatum? Conscientious animal owners do not swing dogs around by their lead, drunk or otherwise. The dog is better off being removed and rehomed to someone who will love and care for it properly.
A lot of drug users there. Some even had the gall to come around to enquire what medication a relative was on when they were moved there when dying of cancer.
This sort only pretend they are seeking professional help to cure their addiction to then get a lesser sentence by ‘benefit of the doubt’ weak judges.
They would steal from their Mothers to get drugs.
Needs locking up for years.
But won’t be as prisons full of imported dross now to ensure fitting sentences are never ever given again
would it be ok if i put a lead around his head got drunk and then swing him round and round.
In my book Dave? Yes, absolutely!
I don’t think your wife would see any loose if you left…. Your a cancer to society
West wight dog throwing champion 2022
Wot an R $ole .. hope karma catches up with him
Karma just a gutless way of avoiding facing the truth that a small fine is ALl this thing will suffer.
Can I have the dog I’ll take it in. Anyone have details I’ll evn buy the dog from
Them
Every caring Dog owner knows what the more appropriate punishment should be,and I’d be first in the queue to administer it.
Alcoholic and drug user and going through the ritual of attending meetings to stop him is not a one way pass. Please Judges take this into account. Hope the dog has been removed from this environment – Sparkes was caught this time how many more times has an animal suffered at his hands. Community service for 18 months will do him good, give him time to dry out and have the shakes whilst doing something productive.