OFFENDERS LEONARD EVANS AND EMMA ROBERTS CONVICTED IN LLANGEFNI

Leonard Edward Evans, born around 1981, and his partner Emma Louise Roberts, born around 1985, both residents of Fron Heulog, Llangefni, LL77, were convicted in 2019 of stealing a dog and attempting to sell him. The pair was found guilty of theft following a trial, despite both initially denying any involvement. A probation officer noted that neither showed remorse for their actions.

Prosecutor Diane Williams explained that Bruce, a black French bulldog owned by Catrin Tudor, was taken from her garden in Pwllheli around 2:30 pm on August 25, 2019. Tudor was inside her house with the front door open, and Bruce was running in and out. She inspected the garden and saw that the gate was slightly open. She expressed certainty that Bruce could not have opened it himself.

After realizing the dog was missing, Tudor searched for Bruce and reported the theft to the police. Family members posted messages on social media about the missing dog, which was later sighted in the company of two men and a woman on the street and at the beach. The following day, Emma Roberts was spotted waiting for a bus with Bruce in Porthmadog. She was subsequently arrested.

Bruce was found in a distressed condition and was very thirsty. Evans was arrested at his brother’s home on the same morning. A police officer stated that the dog, valued at around £1,500 and aged two years, appeared upset and dehydrated. When Ms Tudor arrived at the police station and was reunited with Bruce, he showed excitement and brightened up.

During the trial, Evans claimed he was walking in the Abersoch area with Roberts and his brother, Ben. He said that as they passed Ms Tudor’s house, they noticed a dog following them, which he initially ignored. He also stated that he asked an elderly couple nearby if they knew who owned the dog and that they had knocked on several doors but received no replies. Evans admitted that they took the dog to his brother’s flat and later went to the beach with him.

Ben Evans testified that he recognized the dog and informed the others of its owner, urging them to return it. Both Evans and Roberts denied any intention to sell the dog, which they claimed was not their plan.

In sentencing, Len Evans received a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, alongside 180 hours of unpaid work, a £50 compensation order to Bruce’s owner, and £712 in court costs. He was also ordered to complete a 35-day probation service course. It was noted that this offence occurred just days after Evans was placed under a community order.

Emma Roberts was given a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement. She was ordered to pay £50 in compensation and £680 in costs.