CRAIGE SLATER FROM HEADINGTON CAUSES TRAGEDY AND INJURY IN OXFORD BURGLARY

Craige Slater, a resident of Headington in Oxford, was convicted of a disturbing and violent crime that took place in 2015, involving a brutal burglary that resulted in the death of a beloved pet and inflicted serious injuries on an elderly woman. The incident has left a lasting impact on the victim and has drawn significant attention from law enforcement and the local community.

Slater, born around 1972, admitted to charges of burglary and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal during the court proceedings. His actions led to a four-year prison sentence following the break-in at the home of his vulnerable neighbor, 71-year-old Edna Nelson. Ms. Nelson, who had previously shown kindness to Slater by doing his laundry and cooking for him, was targeted in a cruel act of violence that starkly contrasted her acts of generosity.

The court heard that the burglary occurred when Ms. Nelson was returning home after taking her dog, Dasher, for a walk. She noticed a figure with a hood pulled up following her, which heightened her suspicion. As she approached her front door and stepped inside her residence, she was suddenly pushed from behind, causing her to fall to the floor. The attacker, identified as Slater, then proceeded to assault her, striking her multiple times about the head. Recognizing her assailant, Ms. Nelson was left frightened and distressed by the attack.

During the assault, Slater also entered the living room and stole approximately £100 from her purse. The victim, despite her injuries, managed to call for an ambulance as Slater fled the scene. She sustained a cut to her lower leg and had her toenail ripped off, injuries that did not require hospital treatment but added to her trauma. The attack also involved her dog, Dasher, who was found to have sustained injuries too severe for treatment. The exact circumstances of the dog's attempt to protect Ms. Nelson remain unclear, but the injuries led to the pet being put to sleep due to the high cost of veterinary care, which Ms. Nelson could not afford.

In addition to the emotional toll, Ms. Nelson faced financial burdens, including a £400 veterinary bill and £45 in taxi fares. The assault and the loss of her pet profoundly affected her sense of safety and well-being. She expressed her fear of going outside and her anxiety about encountering men dressed in black, which she associated with her attacker. Her trust in others was deeply shaken, especially considering her previous acts of kindness towards Slater, which she now viewed as betrayal.

The court was informed that Slater, who has a lengthy criminal record with 22 court appearances for 34 offences, was arrested later the same day and gave a no-comment interview. During the proceedings, his defense lawyer, Peter Du Feu, explained that Slater was under the influence of crack cocaine at the time and claimed that he did not intend for the situation to escalate to violence or for the dog to be harmed. Slater, appearing via video link from Bullingdon Prison, expressed remorse, stating he felt “sick with shame” for his actions and acknowledging that drugs had taken control of his emotions and lifestyle.

Judge Peter Ross condemned the crime, emphasizing the severity of the offense. He highlighted that the attack was targeted at a vulnerable elderly woman and involved violence within her own home, culminating in the death of her pet. The judge noted the profound impact on Ms. Nelson, who now has a new dog but continues to suffer from the trauma of the incident. Slater was sentenced to four years in prison and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge, a criminal courts charge, and participate in a restorative justice scheme. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such violent burglaries are regarded in the community and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.