WOMAN POURS BLEACH INTO POND KILLING CHERISHED FISH AFTER BREAKUP
Helen Driver, aged 54, was sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and criminal damage after she poured bleach into her former partner’s pond.The court heard she was 'extremely upset and aggrieved' after being dumped over the phone and went directly to his home in Cramlington on March 26.
CCTV footage showed her sneaking into the garden and pouring two bottles of bleach into the pond while he was away.
The man attempted to rescue the six fish, which died despite his efforts to transfer them into a wheelbarrow filled with fresh water.
The fish were valued at £1,382, but the owner described them as priceless and of great sentimental value as he had cared for them for seven years.
Helen Driver pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a 12-month community order.
She was also ordered to pay £1,392 in compensation, a £114 victim surcharge, and £85 in costs.
The court was informed that she did not intend to harm the fish but wanted to upset her ex-partner, who was obsessed with maintaining the pond's PH levels.
Since the incident, she has seen a GP and been prescribed anti-depressants.
The owner expressed his devastation at the loss of his fish, emphasizing their sentimental value.
