JIMMY SMITH OF THAMES DITTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CRUELTY TO PUPPIES IN ASHFORD, KENT
| Red Rose Database
Thames Ditton Animal Abuser
Jimmy Smith, born around 1988, a known traveller with recent residence in Thames Ditton, Elmbridge, Surrey, has been convicted of a brutal act of animal cruelty that shocked the community and drew widespread condemnation. Smith, who also has links to Ashford, Hounslow, and Feltham, was found guilty of killing two innocent cocker spaniel puppies by repeatedly slamming them into a concrete floor in a disturbing display of violence.
The tragic incident took place at Smith’s home in Ashford, Kent, where he attacked the puppies, named Sky and Angel, in a manner described as both heinous and relentless. The court heard that this act of cruelty was not an isolated event but followed a prolonged campaign of abuse directed at his partner. Witnesses and the victim herself recounted the harrowing details of the attack, which unfolded in front of her eyes.
According to the court, the victim observed Smith with the puppies on their leads before hearing a loud thud and the puppies screaming in distress. Judge Simon Taylor KC described the horrifying scene, stating, “She saw you swinging the puppies by their leads and hitting their heads against the solid concrete floor, throwing them to the ground repeatedly. The next time she looked, she saw that you were dragging the puppies along the floor by their leads.”
One of the puppies succumbed at the scene, while the other was later euthanized at a veterinary clinic due to the severity of its injuries. The court also heard that prior to this incident, Smith had subjected his partner to a pattern of physical assaults, stalking, threats, and controlling behavior over their 13-year relationship. The victim expressed that she lived in “constant fear” during that time and continues to feel terrified even after the incident.
Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behavior spanning from August 2019 to August 2022. The court was told that Smith has a criminal record with six convictions for a total of 20 offences, highlighting a history of violent and abusive conduct.
Supporters, including approximately 20 family members, were present in the public gallery during the sentencing. They could be heard attempting to console Smith after the judge delivered his sentence. His legal representative, Benjamin Hargreaves, explained that Smith is illiterate and struggles to understand language, which can lead to episodes of aggression.
The RSPCA issued a statement expressing their deep sadness over the case, emphasizing the tragic role that pets can sometimes play in domestic abuse situations. They urged anyone experiencing similar circumstances to seek help from police or domestic abuse charities, noting that some organizations offer pet fostering services to care for animals while owners seek support.
In addition to the current conviction, it was revealed that Smith had previously been jailed in 2013 for 90 days and banned from keeping pets for 10 years after neglecting a sick lurcher puppy named Orphan Annie. The puppy was found emaciated, weak, and suffering from ulcers, highlighting a disturbing pattern of cruelty.
Smith was sentenced to seven years and five months in prison and received a 10-year restraining order to prevent any contact with his former partner or the animals involved. Authorities and animal welfare organizations warn that these cases are just the tip of the iceberg, suggesting that Smith’s history of animal cruelty may be more extensive than currently known. Further investigations are anticipated to uncover additional offenses related to his past conduct.
The tragic incident took place at Smith’s home in Ashford, Kent, where he attacked the puppies, named Sky and Angel, in a manner described as both heinous and relentless. The court heard that this act of cruelty was not an isolated event but followed a prolonged campaign of abuse directed at his partner. Witnesses and the victim herself recounted the harrowing details of the attack, which unfolded in front of her eyes.
According to the court, the victim observed Smith with the puppies on their leads before hearing a loud thud and the puppies screaming in distress. Judge Simon Taylor KC described the horrifying scene, stating, “She saw you swinging the puppies by their leads and hitting their heads against the solid concrete floor, throwing them to the ground repeatedly. The next time she looked, she saw that you were dragging the puppies along the floor by their leads.”
One of the puppies succumbed at the scene, while the other was later euthanized at a veterinary clinic due to the severity of its injuries. The court also heard that prior to this incident, Smith had subjected his partner to a pattern of physical assaults, stalking, threats, and controlling behavior over their 13-year relationship. The victim expressed that she lived in “constant fear” during that time and continues to feel terrified even after the incident.
Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behavior spanning from August 2019 to August 2022. The court was told that Smith has a criminal record with six convictions for a total of 20 offences, highlighting a history of violent and abusive conduct.
Supporters, including approximately 20 family members, were present in the public gallery during the sentencing. They could be heard attempting to console Smith after the judge delivered his sentence. His legal representative, Benjamin Hargreaves, explained that Smith is illiterate and struggles to understand language, which can lead to episodes of aggression.
The RSPCA issued a statement expressing their deep sadness over the case, emphasizing the tragic role that pets can sometimes play in domestic abuse situations. They urged anyone experiencing similar circumstances to seek help from police or domestic abuse charities, noting that some organizations offer pet fostering services to care for animals while owners seek support.
In addition to the current conviction, it was revealed that Smith had previously been jailed in 2013 for 90 days and banned from keeping pets for 10 years after neglecting a sick lurcher puppy named Orphan Annie. The puppy was found emaciated, weak, and suffering from ulcers, highlighting a disturbing pattern of cruelty.
Smith was sentenced to seven years and five months in prison and received a 10-year restraining order to prevent any contact with his former partner or the animals involved. Authorities and animal welfare organizations warn that these cases are just the tip of the iceberg, suggesting that Smith’s history of animal cruelty may be more extensive than currently known. Further investigations are anticipated to uncover additional offenses related to his past conduct.