DEREK CLARK FROM ASHGILL SENTENCED FOR DOG-FIGHTING AND ATTEMPTED MURDER IN LARKHALL

Derek Clark, a man known for his involvement in illegal dog-fighting activities, has a troubling history rooted in the Ashgill area near Larkhall. Clark, born on April 29, 1980, was most recently residing at Woodside Cottage in Ashgill, ML9 3BW. His criminal record includes a conviction from 2011 related to the brutal mistreatment and illegal breeding of fighting dogs.

During an extensive investigation conducted by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), authorities uncovered the disturbing reality of Clark’s clandestine operations. In August 2010, the charity discovered three severely injured pitbull terriers confined within squalid, hidden kennels at Clark’s isolated cottage. These dogs were in a deplorable state, suffering from severe injuries, with one having lost a leg. The conditions in which they were kept were appalling, reflecting a blatant disregard for animal welfare.

Further investigations led to the seizure of a fourth dog in February 2011. Clark was charged with multiple offenses, including the possession of three banned pitbulls and neglecting the animals under his care. Although he faced accusations of dog-fighting, Clark’s legal team, led by lawyer Diarmid Bruce, negotiated a plea deal. Clark pleaded guilty to the possession and neglect charges but maintained his innocence regarding the dog-fighting allegations. Bruce stated in court that “It is not accepted that he was involved in fighting dogs. There were a number of dogs examined and some were considered to be fine. He had them for seven years, and they were his pets and guard dogs.”

Despite the severity of the case, Clark was handed a relatively lenient sentence—a fine of just £450. The court did not impose a ban on him keeping animals, a decision that drew criticism from animal welfare advocates. Mike Flynn, speaking on behalf of the Scottish SPCA, expressed his disappointment, saying, “We’re very disappointed that Clark has not been banned from keeping animals. It is not only illegal to keep pit bulls but also extremely irresponsible.”

In a separate and more heinous chapter of Clark’s criminal history, he was later convicted in December 2012 for a violent attack that resulted in a 15-year prison sentence. Clark, armed with a large knife, and two accomplices, targeted Mary Coulter, a 76-year-old grandmother, at her home in Larkhall. The assailants, wearing balaclavas, knocked on her door looking for her son, Ronnie. When Mrs. Coulter, who was alone at the time, came downstairs, she was confronted by the trio peering into her house. Despite her pleas that she was “just an old woman on her own,” the attackers forced their way inside.

What followed was a brutal assault on Mrs. Coulter, during which she sustained two broken arms, a fractured skull, and deep slash wounds. Clark and his accomplices left her for dead, but she managed to summon help. Although she eventually recovered physically, the trauma of the attack forced her to leave her home and move in with her daughter.

Thankfully, Clark’s violent actions resulted in a lengthy prison sentence, effectively ending his dog-fighting activities for the foreseeable future. His case remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals involved in animal cruelty and violent crimes in the Larkhall area.