CRAIG WILSON OF HULL SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR STARVATION DEATH OF DOG
Craig James Wilson, born around 1993 and residing on Beverly Road, Hull HU3, was convicted in 2022 of starving his dog to death over a period of more than a month.In a rare move by the courts, Wilson, often referred to as 'Craigy,' received a prison sentence for causing the death of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Marshall.
During the court hearing, Wilson appeared visibly confused when he was unexpectedly flanked by two prison officers as Hull magistrates announced his sentence.
He seemed unprepared for a jail term, but the magistrates emphasized the case's severity as the reason for the custodial decision.
RSPCA prosecutor Philip Brown detailed the events, noting that Wilson never took Marshall to the vet despite the dog’s critical condition.
He explained, “Marshall came to the attention of the RSPCA in December last year.
The animal was taken to a vet and examined.
“The owner said the dog had collapsed and was not moving.
By the time he was brought to the vets, Marshall had sadly passed away.
“The owner was apparently concerned about the cost of treatment when calling the vets, but they advised him to bring the dog in, stating a fee could be discussed later.
“When Marshall arrived dead and was weighed, he only measured 6.8kg, significantly below the average weight of 13 to 17kg for a male Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The vet also noted that there was very little body fat.” Mr.
Brown continued, “When told the dog had died, there was no reaction from the owner.
He remarked that Marshall had always been skinny.
“Wilson claimed that Marshall was in decent condition shortly before he died.” At that stage, questions arose as to whether Marshall’s death was solely due to starvation or if an underlying illness had contributed.
However, Mr.
Brown clarified, “A post-mortem revealed that Marshall had suffered considerably; there was no medical reason for his weight loss, and he had starved to death.
It was clear he had endured suffering for several weeks, at least a month.” Mitigation lawyer Mike Farr told the court that Wilson had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had no previous convictions.
He explained, “My client is not someone who intentionally caused suffering.
Ignorance played a role here.
“He was raised in the care system and had to fend for himself from the age of 16.
He took on the dog as a favor but had never owned a pet before and was unprepared for the responsibilities involved.
He now understands that caring for a dog requires a serious commitment.
“Wilson has no objection to being banned from owning animals in the future and has no intention to do so.” After reviewing all the medical evidence and photographs, the magistrates, visibly shocked, concluded that custody was the only appropriate sentence.
The chairman stated there was no chance the death was accidental and emphasized that jail was the only option.
During the sentence reading, Wilson attempted to speak over the Chairman but was instructed to remain quiet.
The court sentenced Wilson to 12 weeks in jail.
Additionally, he was banned from owning any animals for 15 years.
