JOSH NORMAN'S BRUTAL ATTACK ON PEMBEROKE DOG SHOCKS WALES

Joshua James Norman, a former soldier from Pembroke, has been convicted of a heinous act of animal cruelty involving his pet dog, Simba. Born on May 4, 1996, Norman's assault on the defenseless Labrador took place within his flat on Lowless Close, a residential area in Pembroke, and has sparked widespread outrage across the community.

According to court reports, the incident occurred on March 5, 2022, when Norman was in contact with an ex-partner via phone. During their conversation, Norman expressed suicidal intentions, which prompted concern from the woman. Acting on her worries, she visited Norman’s flat in Pembroke Dock, where she was met with a scene of chaos and destruction. The flat was described as resembling the aftermath of a bomb explosion, with clothes and various objects strewn across the floor, windows smashed, curtains torn down, and evidence of neglect such as dog feces and patches of urine scattered throughout the premises. Bloodstains were also visible on the walls, indicating a violent struggle.

Upon entering the bathroom, the woman found Simba lying in a pool of blood, visibly distressed and suffering from severe injuries. The dog had an open wound on his shoulder and neck, and was trembling and whimpering. She immediately contacted the police, who responded swiftly to the scene. Officers found Norman inside the flat, where they discovered a bloodstained kitchen knife with a 13-centimeter blade, a hammer, and a small amount of cannabis. The knife was covered in blood and black hair, suggesting recent use and violent activity.

Simba was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where he received urgent medical treatment. The examination revealed a 10-centimeter-deep wound in his shoulder and neck, along with extensive bruising, swelling around his eyes, and multiple traumatic injuries caused by blunt force. Due to the severity of his injuries, the dog had to be sedated to prevent further suffering. Fortunately, Simba has shown remarkable resilience and is now under the care of Greenacres Rescue, an animal charity. He has since been adopted and is reported to be recovering well.

During police interviews, Norman admitted to consuming a significant amount of alcohol, including a liter of vodka, half a bottle of gin, and cans of lager, which he claimed impaired his memory of the events. He denied hitting Simba with a hammer but refused to look at photographs of the injuries inflicted on the dog. Norman’s mental state was a point of concern, as he has a history of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, stemming from his military service. His legal representative explained that Norman had served in the Army, specifically with 2 Para, but his service was marred by disciplinary problems, including failing a drugs test and going absent without leave, which led to his discharge.

Norman pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, criminal damage, and possession of cannabis. The court heard that his actions were particularly brutal and cowardly, targeting a vulnerable and innocent creature. Judge Jeremy Jenkins condemned the attack, describing it as “gratuitous and cowardly,” and emphasized that only immediate custody was appropriate for such a heinous crime.

As a result, Norman was sentenced to 10 months in prison, with concurrent sentences of one month each for criminal damage and drug possession. Additionally, he received a five-year ban on owning any domestic animals, which will expire in April 2027. The case has left the Pembroke community deeply disturbed, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and mental health support for vulnerable individuals.