DALTON PRIOR SENTENCED IN COATBRIDGE FOR CRUELTY AND OFFENCES

Dalton Prior, born on 13/02/1996 and residing at 8 Luggiebank Place, Bargeddie, near Coatbridge G69 7SE, was convicted in 2020 of multiple offences, including cruelty towards his pet dog. The career criminal and drug addict was caught on camera kicking and dragging his five-year-old dog, Jock, causing unnecessary suffering on November 7, 2019.

Prior had a history of criminal behaviour, including violent offences, and was also found to be in possession of a knife in public. Earlier that day, he attempted to break into a house on Drumpark Street with the intent to steal. His criminal activity continued when he assaulted a police officer by attempting to headbutt him.

At Airdrie Sheriff Court, Prosecutor Jamie Dunbar presented a list of Prior's previous convictions, which were admitted as evidence. The court heard that around 2:20 pm, the householder and his daughter heard a door handle being forcibly moved. They saw a man running from the house holding a dog, claiming, ‘I must be at the wrong door,’ and fled the scene.

By 2:45 pm, witnesses observed the dog, on a lead, yelp and appear distressed. The suspect, identified as Prior, was seen unsteady on his feet, pulling the dog harshly behind him and kicking it, which caused the animal to cry out. Witnesses noted the dog was clearly frightened and suffering.

At 3:05 pm, police saw Prior, who had slurred speech. He was detained, searched, and became aggressive, attempting to headbutt an officer before being restrained and taken into custody.

Later that day, at 5:45 pm, Prior was involved in another incident at Whifflet Court. The resident, known to Prior, heard a buzzer and told him he was not allowed in. Prior responded, ‘I’ve nowhere else to go,’ and revealed a black-handled kitchen knife in his waistband. Police were contacted, leading to his arrest.

Defence lawyer Fraser McKinnon highlighted that Prior had been on remand since November 8 and attributed his criminal behaviour to his ongoing drug problems and previous convictions.

Sheriff Derek O’Carroll sentenced Prior to four months in prison, citing his poor criminal record and the seriousness of his offences, particularly the cruelty towards the dog. The sheriff stated, “Given your record, which is very poor, and the nature of the offences, there is no alternative to a custodial sentence. You were also on licence at the time. You will return to prison for four months. For the incident with the dog, this was unpleasant cruelty.”

In total, Prior was sentenced to 19 months’ imprisonment on all charges. Additionally, he was banned from owning or controlling any animals for three years, until March 2023.