LEE JOHNSON'S BRUTAL HAMMER ATTACK ON BARNSEY DOG SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Lee Andrew Johnson, born on July 26, 1978, has been convicted of a heinous act of animal cruelty that took place in Barnsley. Previously residing in Weardale, County Durham, Johnson had moved to Hadfield Street, Wombwell, Barnsley, with the postal code S73 0JR, by June 2020. His crime involved a savage assault on a defenseless pet dog, which resulted in severe injuries and a fractured skull.

The incident came to light during a trial where Johnson was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The prosecution, led by Kevin Campbell on behalf of the RSPCA, detailed the events that unfolded on January 30, 2016, at Johnson’s partner’s residence in Tow Law. According to the evidence presented, Johnson launched a violent attack on a dog named Alfie, a Staffordshire bull terrier type, in a fit of rage.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that the attack was triggered after an incident involving spilled coffee, which reportedly caused Johnson to become agitated. Witnesses testified that Johnson shouted at the animals present before grabbing a hammer from a toolbox. The court heard that he then struck Alfie multiple times with the tool, with the prosecution asserting that the dog was hit on several occasions. The attack was described as vicious and unprovoked.

Kevin Campbell explained that Johnson had thrown the hammer at Alfie, hitting the dog’s foot, and as Alfie moved away, Johnson further kicked the animal. A veterinary report confirmed the severity of Alfie’s injuries, revealing bruising across his body, visible marks on his head, and a skull fracture. The injuries were described as clearly observable, underscoring the brutality of the attack.

Johnson’s defense claimed that the use of the hammer was an act of self-defense, asserting that Alfie had bitten him. He alleged that he sustained injuries similar to dog bites on his hand and that he reached for the hammer in an attempt to free himself from the dog’s grip. However, the court found the evidence against him compelling.

In sentencing, magistrates imposed an 18-month community order, which includes 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Johnson was also ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £60 victim surcharge. Importantly, he was banned from keeping dogs for a period of five years, although this ban expired in February 2022. The case highlights the ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the importance of strict enforcement of animal protection laws in Barnsley and beyond.