MALACHY DOHERTY'S SHOCKING DOG THEFT IN TUNSTALL: STOKE-ON-TRENT PET NAPPER CAUGHT

Malachy Doherty, a resident of Metcalfe Road in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, was convicted in 2021 for a distressing case of pet theft that captured the attention of the local community and beyond. The incident involved the theft of two beloved Labrador dogs, Denzel and Welly, which had been left outside a shop in the nearby town of Nantwich.

The disappearance of the dogs sparked an immediate and widespread social media campaign. Thousands of concerned individuals shared appeals for information, which ultimately led to a crucial tip-off. Police officers, acting on this information, managed to locate the stolen animals three days after their disappearance, returning them safely to their owner. The dogs were found in Tunstall, close to where Doherty resides, after a neighbor who had observed the pets became suspicious of their sudden absence.

Malachy Doherty was swiftly arrested following the police investigation. During court proceedings, he pleaded guilty to charges of theft and failing to surrender to bail. His sentencing resulted in a prison term of 27 weeks. The case also involved an unnamed teenage accomplice, who was tried in absentia and found guilty of theft. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of this minor, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The incident unfolded on March 27, 2020, when Dale Robson, the dogs’ owner, was walking Denzel and Welly through Nantwich town centre. He had left the dogs tied outside the M&S store while he briefly went inside. Upon returning just a few minutes later, Mr. Robson was devastated to discover that his pets had vanished. Store staff immediately contacted the police, who reviewed CCTV footage from the scene. The footage clearly showed two individuals running away with the dogs, confirming their involvement in the theft.

Further evidence emerged when the teenage suspect sent a message offering the dogs for sale. However, he later claimed that the animals he was selling were different pets, not Denzel and Welly. The court heard that the theft was opportunistic, with the offenders taking advantage of a chance encounter rather than planning the crime in advance.

In a heartfelt statement read during the hearing, Mr. Robson expressed his disbelief and sorrow, stating, “I cannot believe that someone can be so heartless as to steal two dogs who are members of the family.” Despite efforts by friends and family to locate the missing pets, they had initially been untraceable. Fortunately, the dogs were later found safe and in good health at the address where they were being kept, and they have since been reunited with their family.

Malachy Doherty claimed that he had no intention of selling the dogs and only wanted to keep them as pets. He also stated that he was unaware of his accomplice’s text message offering the animals for sale. It was revealed that he had asked his wife, Mary Doherty, aged 28, to look after the dogs at their home. During court proceedings, Mrs. Doherty admitted to handling stolen goods, and her case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report. She is scheduled for sentencing at a later date.

Colin Drew, representing the couple, highlighted the intense social media backlash they had faced since being linked to the theft. He also disclosed that Malachy Doherty had been under significant emotional distress, even attempting to take his own life amid the controversy. Drew emphasized that the dogs were returned in good condition and that Mrs. Doherty had cared for them well, noting that one of the dogs had gained some weight due to being well-fed and walked regularly.

District Judge Nick Sanders condemned the act, describing the theft as an “abominable offence.” He emphasized the emotional pain caused to the family, stating, “This is not theft of a push bike. It’s the theft of two family pets. I cannot begin to imagine the distress you caused that family.”

The court sentenced Malachy Doherty to 27 weeks in prison, ordered him to pay £1,000 in compensation to the dogs’ owner, and imposed a total of £1,058 in costs and charges. Additionally, he received an extra week in jail for breaching the terms of a previous court sentence. The case underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat crimes involving the theft of pets, especially those considered part of the family.