HEATH TOWN CRIMINALS JAMIE HILLMAN AND CHANTELLE PLATT STARVE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER TO DEATH IN WOLVERHAMPTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Heath Town, Wolverhampton, two individuals, Jamie Hillman and Chantelle Marie Platt, have been convicted of heinous animal cruelty involving the neglect and starvation of their pet dog. The tragic events unfolded at their residence on Burton Crescent, where the lifeless body of a Staffordshire bull terrier, known by the names Socks and Diesel, was discovered by police officers after they forcibly entered the property.

Police reports describe the scene as utterly deplorable. The dog was found in a severely emaciated state, lying motionless on a sofa covered in fleas. The home itself was in a filthy condition, with clutter and debris strewn across the floors, and no food or water available for the suffering animal. The officers' investigation revealed that Diesel had been suffering for several weeks before his death, yet no effort had been made by the owners to seek veterinary assistance.

Jamie Hillman, identified as a drug-addicted career criminal, was arrested at the scene. During police interviews, Hillman was unable to provide any explanation for why he had not taken the dog to a veterinarian despite evident signs of suffering. His partner, Chantelle Platt, who was said to be 'infatuated' with him, claimed that the dog was not registered in her name and therefore not her responsibility. She also stated that Diesel was not chipped and that she had no obligation to care for him.

Further background details emerged from previous incidents. In April 2022, Diesel was found wandering the streets in a very thin condition and was taken to a council-run kennels. Hillman later reclaimed the dog, but tragically, Diesel was found dead at the couple’s abandoned residence on July 5, 2022. An RSPCA inspector had visited the property a day prior to the discovery, observing the dog lying on the sofa through a window. The inspector could not determine if Diesel was alive or moving at that time. Tape seals had been placed on the doors to prevent entry, and when police returned ten days later, the seals remained intact, prompting them to force entry.

Prosecutor Sarah Pratt described the scene as 'extremely dirty,' emphasizing the poor condition of the property. She explained that photographs taken during the investigation showed the extent of neglect, with Diesel found dead on a cluttered sofa, covered in fleas, and with no access to food or water. The post-mortem examination confirmed a 'massive flea infestation' and indicated that Diesel likely endured significant suffering over an extended period, possibly a month or longer, due to hunger, pain, and weakness.

Following their arrests, both Hillman and Platt provided conflicting accounts. Platt denied any responsibility for Diesel, claiming she had been 'back and forth' to the address due to mental health issues and was too scared to stay alone because of problems with neighbors. She also alleged that Diesel's condition worsened after being returned from the kennels, claiming he became aggressive and had bitten her on the arm. Hillman admitted to owning the dog for six years but confessed to stopping regular feeding because he was dealing with his own problems. He also claimed to have given money to a homeless man to buy dog food.

Defense lawyers highlighted Hillman's history of childhood trauma and mental health issues, attributing most of his offending to drug-related problems. His solicitor, Tariq Shakoor, stated that Hillman found incarceration easier than life in the community, which he described as full of challenges and difficulties he would face upon release. Similarly, Tim Duggan, representing Platt, pointed out her previously clean record and her long history of caring for a dog without issues, asserting that she posed no risk to animals moving forward.

Judge Dean Kershaw delivered a stern judgment, criticizing Hillman for his dismissive attitude during the proceedings. He explicitly stated, 'It’s true, you starved that dog to death. A dog you apparently liked and cared for.' The judge condemned Hillman for leaving Diesel in a flea-bitten, emaciated state, ultimately leading to his death, and dismissed Hillman's head-shaking as a sign of indifference. Regarding Platt, the judge accused her of allowing the dog to suffer because of her infatuation with Hillman.

The couple, who have a son together but are now separated, lived at Smestow Street, Wolverhampton. Their sentencing included a three-year community order for Platt, which involves 120 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation activities, along with a five-year ban on owning animals, set to expire in May 2029. Hillman received a sentence of three years and eight months for animal welfare offences and burglary, and he was banned from owning animals for 15 years. The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty in the community.