GARY MARSHMAN BRIDLINGTON DOG THEFT AND FATAL THROWING INCIDENT

Gary Marshman, born on May 30, 1983, originally hails from Black Abbey in Bradford but has been a resident of 27 Tennyson Avenue, Bridlington YO15 2EX, for several years. His criminal record includes a history of serious offenses such as firearm possession and burglary. Despite this, his latest act involved the theft of a beloved family pet from outside a supermarket in Bridlington.

In a distressing incident that shocked the local community, Marshman stole Jess, a 12-year-old border collie owned by retired couple Ron and Enid Bisby. The theft took place outside a supermarket in Cleckheaton, but the repercussions of his actions extended far beyond that immediate location. Two days after the theft, Jess's battered body was discovered in shallow water beneath a viaduct, with injuries consistent with being thrown from a significant height. The discovery of her collar and lead in nearby bushes confirmed her identity and the tragic end of her life.

Surveillance footage captured Marshman, who was at the time staying at a local bail hostel, entering the supermarket to purchase socks. Moments later, the footage showed him fleeing the scene with Jess in his possession. Despite the brutality of the act, Marshman refused to admit whether he had thrown the dog from the bridge, and he was ultimately convicted solely of theft.

The loss of Jess has devastated the Bisby family. Enid Bisby expressed her heartbreak, stating, “Jess was the love of our lives, so much so we had an artist paint a picture of her from a photograph. For this to happen to any dog would be terrible, but for it to happen to an old, trusting dog makes it even more upsetting.”

Ron Bisby shared the profound impact of Jess’s death, saying, “I have been unable to sleep properly. I feel numb and I miss my dog terribly. My wife feels she has aged 10 years and won’t leave the house. I can’t put a price on Jess. She is priceless to me.”

Marshman was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail for theft, with no additional ban imposed. The case has left the Bridlington community and the Bisby family mourning the loss of a cherished pet and grappling with the cruelty of the crime.