AKEEL BAVINGTON FROM ALLEN AND GREAT HORTON SENTENCED FOR CHICKEN KILLING AND ANIMAL CRUELTY

In August 2022, a disturbing incident involving Akeel Bavington, a 19-year-old formerly residing in Great Horton and now associated with Allen, came to light through CCTV footage and court proceedings. The case revealed a series of troubling behaviors that culminated in animal cruelty and threats of violence, prompting a significant legal response.

It was reported that Bavingtonton had a fascination with knives, gang culture, and drill music, which was evident during an incident at Shipley College in April of the previous year. Authorities found him in possession of a knife, commonly referred to as a 'shank,' when he was challenged by staff. Bavingtonton claimed that he carried the weapon because he had been assaulted by a group from Leeds, a defense that did little to mitigate the seriousness of the offense.

Further investigations uncovered a series of malicious acts at his family home. Two months after the knife incident, Bavingtonton poured bleach into the family's toothpaste tube, an act intended to cause harm. Fortunately, the corrosive substance was discovered before it could reach anyone’s mouth, preventing potential injury. This act of attempted poisoning was part of a pattern of disturbing behavior.

Most notably, CCTV footage revealed Bavingtonton chasing after the family’s chickens with a garden fork, ultimately stabbing one of the birds multiple times. Witnesses and investigators noted that he appeared to show no remorse or feeling during the attack. The court also learned that he posted a video on Snapchat of himself stabbing the family cat, further illustrating his capacity for cruelty and lack of empathy.

During his time on remand at HMP Doncaster, Bavingtonton made threats to kill his parents, accusing them of being “snitches.” These threats, along with the animal cruelty and possession of a bladed article, formed the basis of his sentencing. The court heard that he had admitted to multiple offenses, including threats to kill, animal cruelty, possession of a dangerous weapon, and attempting to administer a harmful substance.

Judge Colin Burn sentenced Bavingtonton to 42 months in a young offenders institution. Additionally, he imposed a five-year ban preventing Bavingtonton from entering within 100 meters of his family home and prohibited any form of contact with his mother, whether direct or indirect. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, noting that they could have resulted in severe harm to individuals and caused suffering to animals. He described the case as particularly troubling, highlighting the lack of empathy shown by Bavingtonton during the incidents.

Judge Burn also ordered that Bavingtonton be banned from keeping animals for the next five years, reflecting the gravity of his cruelty. He stated, “The whole picture overall is a very worrying one and obviously a custodial sentence today of some length is inevitable.” The judge underscored the severity of the bleach incident, pointing out that there was no warning for the family about the corrosive substance hidden in the toothpaste tube. The court’s findings painted a picture of a young man who, during these episodes, demonstrated a disturbing disregard for the well-being of both people and animals.