TWO TEENS HANDED SUSPENDED SENTENCES FOR FILMING DEER BEING MAULED BY DOGS
Two individuals identified as David Pringle and Lennon Gibbinson were convicted of animal cruelty after a disturbing incident involving a roe deer.According to Newcastle Crown Court reports, the two men filmed themselves restraining a terrified deer as it was attacked by dogs.
Prosecutor Rachel Butt explained that the case was brought to light when the Naturewatch Foundation charity shared social media videos with Northumbria Police.
From the footage, Lennon Gibbinson was identified and arrested on December 22, 2023, and subsequently responded with 'no comment' during police interviews.
David Pringle was later identified and arrested in April.
The videos showed the men holding the deer as it was mauled by dogs, with one of them standing on the deer's neck before attaching a lead, and another seen kicking the animal and dragging it across the floor.
The deer, a roe, was determined by a veterinarian to not have survived, with the vet stating that the actions caused unnecessary, extreme suffering.
Gibbinson, aged 22 of Fifth Avenue in Stobhill Gate, Morpeth, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on two dates in December 2023.
Pringle, also aged 22 from Second Avenue in Stobhill, admitted to taking and killing the deer.
The court sentenced Gibbinson to 18 months in prison suspended for 18 months and Pringle to 19 months suspended for 18 months, citing the severity of their offenses and the suffering inflicted.
Additionally, both men were banned from keeping sight hounds.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences, describing the videos as appalling, and highlighted that the two were aware their actions were profoundly wrong.
Mitigation statements revealed Gibbinson has ADHD and autism and is suffering mental health issues, while Pringle is described as a hardworking individual from a rural background.
