DANIEL CHALLIS AND CHERYL STEVENS FROM TORQUAY SENTENCED FOR GOLDFISH CRUELTY IN SHOCKING DRINKING CHALLENGE

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community of Torquay, Daniel Challis, born around 1992 and residing on Westhill Road, and Cheryl Stevens, born approximately 1989 of Brecon Close, Paignton, faced justice after a reckless and cruel act involving a live goldfish. The incident occurred during a social media stunt that has come to be known as a 'neknominate' challenge, a dangerous trend that gained popularity on platforms like Facebook in 2014, where individuals film themselves consuming large quantities of alcohol in extreme manners and then challenge others to do the same.

Challis, a timber merchant by profession, was recorded on video swallowing a live goldfish in a drinking challenge. The footage, which was later circulated online, showed Challis holding a pint glass containing the fish, which was clearly alive at the time. Cheryl Stevens, who was present during the stunt, filmed the act and subsequently posted the video on Facebook. The clip drew the attention of the RSPCA, which swiftly took action upon discovering the footage.

Both Challis and Stevens faced charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and neglecting their duty of care. Despite their insistence that they believed the fish was already dead when they consumed it, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture. Prosecutor Kevin Withey emphasized that the video made it 'crystal clear' that the fish was alive, pointing out that it was moving within the pint glass and in Challis's hand. He described the act as a 'bravado exercise,' highlighting the reckless nature of their behavior.

The court found both individuals guilty of animal cruelty. However, they were acquitted of a separate charge related to failing in their duty to protect the fish. The judge sentenced Challis to 18 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, the pair was required to pay £1,085.25 in court costs and a £115 victim surcharge. As part of their punishment, both Challis and Stevens were banned from keeping fish for five years, a restriction that was set to expire in 2017.

Following the case, RSPCA inspector Jo Pearson commented on the incident, stating, 'The goldfish was clearly alive in the footage and would have suffered an unpleasant death.' She further warned that such stunts are acts of cruelty and emphasized that the courts take a dim view of such behavior, hoping the case serves as a warning to others who might consider similar reckless acts.