DANGEROUS OFFENDER DAVID WALKER FROM CHESTERFIELD MURDERS PET FERRETS IN HORRIFIC INCIDENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chesterfield, David Walker, born around 1988 and currently without a fixed address, was found guilty of heinous animal cruelty that culminated in the brutal killing of two pet ferrets. The incident took place in October 2018 and was brought to light during a court hearing at Chesterfield magistrates’ court.

According to court records, Walker was entrusted with babysitting his ex-partner’s children in Clowne, a nearby town, when the tragic events unfolded. The situation escalated after Walker claimed that the ferrets, named Jack and Joe, had attacked the family’s pet guinea pigs. In a fit of rage and frustration, Walker admitted to throwing Jack against a fence and subsequently killing Joe with a marble slab.

The prosecution, represented by solicitor Andy Cash on behalf of the RSPCA, detailed Walker’s actions and statements. Walker reportedly confessed that he was not thinking clearly at the time and described his behavior as animal-like. He admitted to making a conscious decision to kill Joe after losing control and his temper. The court heard that Walker’s ex-partner had arranged for him to look after the children and their friends, but she received a distressing call from him during which he reported that the guinea pigs were dead. When she returned home, she found the children’s account that Walker had killed the ferrets and that one had been thrown against a fence.

Walker’s own account revealed that he had been preparing drinks when he heard the children screaming. He stated that upon discovering one of the ferrets, Jack, was still alive, he threw him out of frustration. He further admitted to grabbing the other ferret, Joe, and twisting its neck. Walker claimed that he did not want Joe to suffer and therefore covered the ferret’s head with a towel. However, when he realized that Joe was still alive, he struck him with a marble slab, resulting in the animal’s death.

The court was shown evidence that Walker’s ex-partner found the two ferrets in plastic bags in the trash, with Jack still breathing but Joe dead. She testified that Walker had told her the ferrets had killed the guinea pigs and that he had killed the ferrets in retaliation. Walker pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

During the hearing, Walker’s defense lawyer, Karl Meakin, expressed remorse, describing the events as extremely unpleasant and emphasizing Walker’s shame and regret. The court sentenced Walker to an 18-month community order, which includes participation in thinking skills and rehabilitation programs, along with 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Walker was ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £485. As part of the sentence, he is also banned from keeping any animals for ten years, a restriction that will expire in April 2029.

This tragic case highlights the severity of animal cruelty and the importance of accountability for such actions, leaving a lasting impact on the Chesterfield community.