CHRISTINE HORNIGOLD AND LISA MARIE ANDREWS SHOCK STOCKTON-ON-TEES WITH ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stockton-on-Tees, both Christine Hornigold and her daughter Lisa Marie Andrews faced serious allegations of neglect involving multiple animals kept at their residence. The incident, which culminated in a court trial, revealed that the pair had been responsible for the suffering of five out of the eight animals living at their home on Appleton Road, TS19 0HY.

According to court records, the animals subjected to neglect included three Staffordshire bull terrier-type dogs, four rabbits, and a cockatiel. The charges against Hornigold and Andrews centered on the fact that two of the Staffordshire dogs were suffering from untreated chronic skin conditions, while three rabbits had become severely malnourished due to dental disease. Despite denying the allegations, both women were found guilty after a thorough trial process.

The magistrates' court took decisive action, imposing a 15-year ban on both women from owning or caring for any animals. Additionally, all animals still in their possession at the time of sentencing were ordered to be handed over to the RSPCA for proper care. A spokeswoman for the RSPCA confirmed that one of the dogs and all four rabbits had already been signed over to the charity, but the remaining animals, although in the RSPCA’s care, had remained at the property until the verdict was reached.

The sentencing included a two-year community order with supervision, a 12-week curfew, and a financial penalty of £500 in costs. The ban on owning animals is set to last for 15 years, expiring in October 2027.

In a related and more troubling development, Christine Hornigold, who was previously known as Christine Eason, was jailed for 18 months in December 2017 after pleading guilty to attacking two social workers with a knife and a truncheon. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Hornigold had held a blade to the throat of one of the social workers and had ripped out clumps of her hair, prompting police intervention to rescue the victims.

Her solicitor described her as a widow suffering from poor health and depression, emphasizing her need for professional mental health support. This incident added to her troubled history, which has been marked by violent behavior and mental health struggles.

In a more recent development, in October 2021, Lisa Marie Andrews successfully applied to have her 15-year ban on keeping animals lifted. The decision came after Andrews expressed remorse and claimed she had learned her lesson, stating her desire to care for animals again. The RSPCA did not oppose her application, as a representative from the charity did not attend the hearing. Her solicitor, Nicci Horton, highlighted that Andrews had complied with the ban for over eight years and had no further convictions. Horton also noted that Andrews’ partner, who owns animals, believed there was no reason she should not be allowed to care for animals.

During the hearing, Andrews tearfully explained her motivation, saying, “I know I should have got immediate treatment for the animals. I should have done it the right way.” The magistrates agreed and terminated her disqualification order. As the verdict was announced, Andrews was visibly emotional, embracing her partner, John Wilkinson, who was present in the courtroom. This case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect.