TEENAGER FACES JAIL FOR VIOLENT AND SEXUAL OFFENCES
Update 01/06/2026: Reported in July 2025, Cowie, a convicted sex offender and domestic abuser, was brought to the attention of the Scottish SPCA after a member of the public observed a large swelling on the left side of his dog’s face.An inspector made several attempts to contact Cowie but only succeeded after persistent efforts.
During her initial communication, Cowie was verbally abusive, and when informed about the dog’s medical needs, she called him again to clarify her concern, which was solely for the welfare of the dog.
The inspector then visited Cowie’s residence and was introduced to a 14-year-old dog named Kaido.
Suspecting an abscess, she advised Cowie that veterinary care was necessary.
Cowie claimed inability to afford treatment and that the dog was not registered with the PDSA, so the inspector took Kaido to a veterinary clinic.
By the time they arrived, the swelling was discharging blood.
A veterinary exam confirmed an abscess.
The vet, opting not to perform surgery at that moment because of the abscess’s location, prescribed a seven-day course of antibiotics and arranged a follow-up check.
The inspector informed Cowie of this plan when he arrived at the clinic.
The Scottish SPCA registered Kaido at the veterinary practice and scheduled the re-examination.
Cowie later reported to the inspector that he had visited the PDSA with Kaido but departed before the appointment, claiming he was being ‘aggressive’ with other dogs in the waiting area.
The inspector visited Cowie’s home to verify its suitability, noting that it was dirty, cluttered, and had a strong smell of excrement.
Despite scheduling an additional vet appointment for Kaido, the inspector’s attempts to contact Cowie again were unsuccessful.
Concerned for Kaido’s wellbeing and Cowie’s failure to comply with veterinary advice, the inspector secured a warrant to enter the property and rescue the dog.
In August 2025, officers from the Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland seized Kaido from Cowie’s residence.
A veterinary assessment revealed that Cowie had caused the dog unnecessary suffering by neglecting a painful ear infection, which worsened into a severe abscess, and by not continuing treatment.
The worsening condition led to euthanasia after about two months.
The vet confirmed Cowie’s neglect as the cause of Kaido’s unnecessary suffering, specifically citing the untreated ear infection and abscess.
Cowie was sentenced to an 18-month community payback order with 180 hours of unpaid work and a five-year ban on owning or keeping animals, valid until March 2031.
………………………………………………………………………..............................................................................
2018.
A teenager from the north-east, Connor Mathieson, who brandished an axe at a woman and threatened to kill her, is likely to face imprisonment.
During a court appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, the 19-year-old Mathieson admitted to a range of serious offences involving women.
He confessed to having engaged in sexual activity with two underage girls at a property within the city.
Additionally, Mathieson admitted to multiple violent and abusive acts against one of the women, including pushing her onto a bed, restricting her breathing, wrapping a cable around her neck until she lost consciousness, pinning her against a wall, and threatening her life while wielding an axe.
He also acknowledged pressing a knife against her head and punching her, which caused significant injuries.
These offences occurred over a span of four years and concluded in August of the previous year.
Sheriff Jack Brown sentenced Mathieson to six years in prison and ordered that he be added to the sex offenders register for life.
