JAMES HILL AND THOMAS HILL FROM BOLSOVER INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY AND VIOLENT CRIMES IN DERBYSHIRE

James David Robert Hill, born on July 22, 1993, and his younger brother Thomas Elliott Hill, born on July 25, 1994, both originally from Bolsover, Chesterfield, have been involved in a series of heinous criminal acts that have shocked the local community and garnered widespread media attention. Their most notorious crime involves the brutal killing of an elderly, deaf, and blind dog named Tyson, an incident that took place in Bolsover and has left a lasting scar on animal welfare advocates.

In 2015, the brothers subjected Tyson to a terrifying and violent ordeal while they were under the influence of the drug MCAT and alcohol. Witnesses at the time recounted that the brothers' cruelty was both calculated and vicious. James Hill, in particular, used a poker to kill the defenseless animal. According to court proceedings, Tyson was thrown across a room by Thomas Hill, and as the dog was mid-air, James punched him repeatedly. Witnesses described how Tyson was then kicked by the brothers, who showed no remorse for their actions. The witnesses, overwhelmed by fear, chose not to intervene, fearing retaliation from the violent duo.

Prosecutors detailed that Thomas Hill picked up Tyson and threw him across the room, while James Hill struck the dog mid-air and then kicked him. The severity of Tyson’s injuries was confirmed by a veterinary report, which concluded that the dog died from blunt trauma to the head, suffering a broken jaw and a knocked-out tooth. James Hill later admitted in court to using a poker to kill Tyson, a confession that underscored the brutality of the act.

Both brothers faced charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Initially denying the allegations, they eventually pleaded guilty, acknowledging their guilt in causing harm to Tyson. James Hill, who had accumulated 17 previous convictions at the time, admitted to criminal damage and arson, while Thomas Hill, with seven prior convictions, also admitted to arson. Their sentencing was swift and severe, with each brother receiving a sentence of 23 weeks in prison. The court showed no leniency, emphasizing the gravity of their cruelty.

Beyond the animal cruelty case, James Hill’s criminal record is extensive. In April 2020, he was sentenced to 66 weeks in prison after attacking a mother of two who had offered him shelter. Hill threatened her with a knife before fleeing with her mobile phone. His criminal history includes burglary, assault, assaulting a police officer, harassment, and breaching court orders. His lawyer highlighted his history of drug and alcohol abuse and mentioned that Hill had been diagnosed with ADHD while in custody, which he believed contributed to his violent behavior.

James Hill was already serving a suspended sentence from September 2018 for assault when he was involved in this incident. His address at the time was listed as c/o The Lighthouse Project in Shirebrook, Mansfield, and he had appeared in court 27 times for 44 offenses.

Thomas Hill’s criminal activities continued into 2020. In June of that year, he was sentenced to one year in prison after forcing his way into a woman’s home in Matlock, Derbyshire, and assaulting her with a large knife. At that time, he was living at White Thorns View, Sheffield. Later, in November 2020, Thomas was jailed for 15 months for a hit-and-run incident. His lawyer described him as a person “dogged by problems,” with a quick temper and a tendency to react without considering consequences. Thomas Hill’s personal life has seen upheaval, as he and Janet McGovern, the mother of two of his children, are no longer together. McGovern remains in Bolsover, maintaining ties to the area.

In December 2021, James Hill was sentenced to 14 days in jail for failing to comply with court orders after being found guilty of neglecting supervision requirements following his release from prison. His latest legal troubles escalated dramatically in August 2022, when Derbyshire Constabulary announced that Hill had been charged with attempted murder after a teenage boy was stabbed in the neck, suffering injuries described as “life-changing.”

The police report listed multiple charges against Hill, including threats to kill, false imprisonment, possession of a knife in public, arson with intent to endanger life, affray, two counts of criminal damage, and four counts of assaulting emergency workers. By December 2022, Hill had admitted to stabbing the youth, then damaging a house and a car, and assaulting police officers. The original attempted murder charge was reduced to a lesser charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Hill, residing at Dale Road, Matlock Bath, pleaded guilty to several charges, including possession of an offensive weapon, affray, criminal damage, and assault of emergency workers, but denied attempted murder and false imprisonment. He remains in custody, awaiting sentencing scheduled for early 2023.

Throughout his criminal career, James Hill has accumulated numerous convictions, and his recent actions continue to demonstrate a pattern of violent and reckless behavior. His Facebook profile under the name Jay Hilly surfaced in August 2022, indicating ongoing online activity despite his legal issues. The community and authorities remain vigilant as they await the final sentencing, hoping to see justice served for the victims of his crimes.