ROTHERHAM THUG LEWIS PARKER JAILED FOR DOG THEFT, ASSAULT AND DAMAGE
A "hardman" who was recruited to settle a financial dispute stole two dogs, strangled them, threatened to kill them and threw one to the ground as their owners looked on in horror.Well-known Rotherham thug Lewis Parker, aged 27, had been drinking with a friend on August 13 and later claimed he was taken advantage of when they got him to steal dogs as a means to settle an argument over money.
He entered a house in Thurcroft while two boys, aged 13 and 16, were inside and their parents were out, then walked out with two Pomeranian dogs, as heard in court.
One of the teenagers alerted their mother, who contacted her partner, and the police later located Parker, the dogs, and those who recruited him at a different address.
Prosecutor Brian Outhwaite explained that Parker held one of the dogs around its neck, threw another to the ground, and even threatened to kill them as the terrified owners and children watched.
He also punched their mother twice in the head, and caused a dog to yelp in pain after it was launched to the ground.
Although he did not enter their home, he damaged a Mercedes parked outside.
Parker admitted burglary, assault, and criminal damage, and was also sentenced for breaching a restraining order and damage against a former partner.
The victims described him as a "hardman," with the 16-year-old stating he knew Parker had a reputation.
Court heard Parker previously attended his ex’s home and threw bricks through her window.
He also faced sentences for assault and damage after punching a man and damaging his van worth about £800 on August 27 in Rotherham.
Recorder Mark McKone QC sentenced him to three years and eight months in jail after he pleaded guilty to all charges.
