JOSHUA SHARP OF WINNERSH SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ANIMAL CRUELTY IN WOKINGHAM

 |  Red Rose Database

Winnersh Animal Abuser
Joshua James Sharp, born on October 11, 1996, and residing at 28 Delane Drive in Winnersh, Wokingham, has been at the center of a disturbing case involving the violent death of two beloved family pets. The incident, which has shocked the local community, involved the brutal killing of a four-month-old Sphynx kitten named Peppa and a small Dachshund-type puppy called Stark. Both animals belonged to women with whom Sharp had been romantically involved, and their tragic deaths occurred within a span of just a few months, raising serious concerns about Sharp's conduct and motives.

Sharp, who has an extensive criminal record, was convicted of animal cruelty related to these deaths. Witnesses and the victims' owners described him as a controlling and jealous partner, whose behavior towards their pets was increasingly suspicious and aggressive. Peppa, who was previously healthy and content, was found unconscious on a bed by her owner, Susannah. She was rushed to an emergency veterinarian, but despite efforts to save her, Peppa succumbed to her injuries. The veterinarian's examination revealed blunt-force trauma to her head, which was inconsistent with the explanation Sharp initially provided—that the kitten was pawed by the dog during a scuffle. Sharp was present at the scene and claimed to have seen the incident, but the medical evidence told a different story.

Susannah, deeply suspicious of Sharp's account, was persuaded to bury Peppa's body. However, her doubts grew when Sharp recounted how an ex-girlfriend’s puppy, Stark, had died under mysterious circumstances. Sharp claimed Stark had suffered an allergic reaction to vaccinations, but Susannah decided to investigate further. She tracked down the ex-girlfriend via Facebook, who confirmed that Stark had also died in suspicious circumstances shortly after being with Sharp. The ex-girlfriend described finding Stark on his side, gasping for breath and dry-retching, before he died shortly afterward. She expressed her suspicions that Sharp was responsible for Stark’s death, noting that the puppy had always been nervous around him. The relationship ended shortly after Stark’s death.

Driven by her suspicions and a desire for justice, Susannah arranged for a post-mortem examination of Peppa. The results confirmed that the kitten had suffered a fractured skull and brain hemorrhage, consistent with being struck with a phone or similar object. This evidence, along with the veterinarian’s findings, led to the involvement of the RSPCA, which launched an investigation into the case. Sharp was subsequently charged with animal cruelty.

Susannah publicly expressed her outrage and heartbreak over the case. She believed that Sharp’s motive was rooted in jealousy, citing his frequent complaints that her dog interfered with their relationship and that he resented any attention she paid to her pets. She described Sharp as someone who claimed to be an animal lover but exhibited controlling and violent tendencies. Her social media post condemned his actions, emphasizing that no animal deserves to suffer or be tortured.

On March 4, 2022, during a sentencing hearing, Sharp received a 24-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 22 months. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community service and undergo 40 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, the court imposed a strict order prohibiting him from owning, possessing, handling, or being left alone with any animal for a period of ten years.

Following the sentencing, Susannah took to Facebook to voice her frustration and anger. She condemned Sharp’s actions and the leniency of the sentence, stating that while he may have avoided immediate imprisonment, his actions had caused irreparable emotional damage. She criticized the judge’s decision to impose only a short rehabilitation period, arguing that Sharp’s mental and behavioral issues warranted more extensive intervention. Her post expressed her grief over the loss of her pets and her hope that justice would serve as a warning to others. She emphasized that Sharp’s reputation as an animal lover is false and that his actions have permanently tainted his name. Susannah concluded her message with a warning that Sharp’s past actions could eventually lead to harm against humans, and she expressed her desire that no one else should suffer as her family did.

It is noteworthy that Sharp still resides with his parents, who are known dog breeders owning five Labradoodles. The community remains shaken by the case, which highlights the importance of animal welfare and the need for vigilance against cruelty and abuse. The case has garnered significant media attention, with local outlets such as the Daily Echo and The Sun covering the story extensively, emphasizing the tragic loss of innocent animals and the ongoing debate about justice and rehabilitation in cases of animal cruelty.
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