GRAHAM RICHARDSON'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN WHITLEY BAY: PET YORKIE DROWNED IN SHOCKING INCIDENT

Graham Richardson, a resident of Harewood Close in Whitley Bay, has been convicted of a disturbing act of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community and garnered significant legal attention. Born on May 3, 1961, Richardson’s actions culminated in the tragic drowning of his wife’s pet Yorkshire Terrier, Wilma, an incident that unfolded under the cover of darkness in their home.

According to court reports, Richardson took the small dog, Wilma, into the garden late at night. The incident was triggered when Wilma, startled by Richardson, nipped his nose. This minor injury appeared to provoke a violent reaction from Richardson, who, in a fit of rage, decided to drown the dog. He held Wilma underwater in a pond located in their garden, an act described as both brutal and unnecessary. Prosecutor Rachel Glover detailed the event, stating, “The defendant leaned in to kiss the dog, who nipped his nose due to being startled and he got a small cut to his nose. He became upset and said ‘She’s bit my fucking nose, she will have to go’.”

On that same night, Richardson, who had already consumed alcohol, woke up later and retrieved another bottle of wine, continuing to drink in bed. Meanwhile, his wife was unaware of the tragic fate that had befallen Wilma until she noticed her missing. Later, she discovered the soaked, lifeless body of Wilma in a plastic bag outside their home. The sight of her pet’s body caused her to break down in hysterical tears.

As tensions escalated between the couple, Richardson repeatedly uttered the chilling phrase, “The dog bites, the dog dies,” while casually rolling a cigarette. His wife, distressed and upset, contacted the police. Officers arrived at the residence around 3:45 am to investigate the incident. The court proceedings revealed that, despite the tragic event, Richardson and his wife have since resumed living together.

Richardson’s employment as an undertaker with the Co-op was terminated following the incident. Although he has a criminal record with 14 previous convictions, none related to animal cruelty, he pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The court acknowledged that Richardson’s actions were a “violent … overreaction [with] extreme consequences,” which posed a potential threat to other animals. Despite this, Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced him to a six-month jail term, suspended for two years, and mandated mental health treatment. Additionally, Richardson was banned from owning or keeping a dog for five years, a restriction set to expire in February 2030.