COLIN SHERLOCK, ALEX ARCHER AND JAMIE JONES FROM TEIGNBRIDGE INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN TEIGNMOUTH

In a deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty, Colin Sherlock, formerly residing on Third Avenue in Dawlish and now living in Queensway, Newton Abbot, was involved in a heinous act of torture against a defenseless cat. The incident took place in 2010 and involved accomplices Alex Archer and Jamie Jones, both from Teignmouth. The trio's depraved actions were captured on mobile phone footage, which later led to their prosecution and conviction.

According to reports, Sherlock, who has a known history of alcohol and drug abuse, participated in the abuse alongside Archer and Jones. The footage revealed the disturbing sequence of events where Sherlock was goaded by the teenagers to subject the cat, named Roxy, to a series of torturous acts. The video showed Sherlock placing Roxy into various household appliances, starting with a microwave oven, then a tumble dryer, and finally a freezer. The terrified animal was also submerged in a bowl of dishwater, an act that caused immense suffering.

The entire ordeal was recorded on a mobile device by one of the teenagers involved. The footage was circulated among others before eventually being reported to the police. Sherlock was identified by a distinctive crescent-shaped tattoo on the left side of his face, which played a crucial role in his recognition and subsequent prosecution.

In November 2010, Sherlock was sentenced to serve 126 days in jail. Additionally, he was banned from owning any animals for a period of ten years. The other two teenagers, Archer and Jones, received rehabilitation orders lasting 12 months, which included supervision and participation in the 'make amends project.' They were also required to undertake community service work benefiting the RSPCA.

Despite the trauma inflicted upon her, Roxy survived the ordeal. She was surrendered to the RSPCA, and it was reported that her recovery was slow, with her being too traumatized to be considered for rehoming for several months. The case drew widespread condemnation, highlighting the cruelty inflicted by the three individuals from Teignbridge and the importance of animal welfare and protection laws.