MARK CARSON'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN COLERAINE: CAT KILLING SHOCKS COMMUNITY
| Red Rose Database
Coleraine Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Coleraine, Mark Carson, born around 1978 and residing on Maythorn Avenue, was convicted of a heinous act of animal cruelty that culminated in the death of a defenseless elderly cat named Jasper. The incident, which took place on March 24, 2020, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from residents and animal lovers alike.
Carson was caught on CCTV footage viciously kicking the ginger cat multiple times behind a house on Maythorn Avenue. The footage revealed him returning shortly after the initial assault and flipping the injured animal over with his foot, an act that demonstrated a blatant disregard for the suffering of the creature. Despite the severity of the injuries, Carson did nothing to assist Jasper, instead walking away from the scene and returning to his home, leaving the injured animal to endure its pain alone.
The badly hurt cat was later discovered at the rear of the property and was rushed to a veterinary clinic. Veterinarians examined Jasper and initially concluded that the injuries appeared consistent with a road accident. However, further investigation, including the review of CCTV footage by animal advocates, revealed the true cause of the injuries. The footage clearly showed Carson kicking Jasper approximately seven times and then flipping him over with his foot, an act of deliberate cruelty.
During the court proceedings, Carson’s defense lawyer, Alan Stewart, described the incident as “awful” and expressed his client’s remorse. Stewart explained that Carson was ashamed of his actions and had written a letter of apology to Jasper’s owner. He also highlighted that Carson’s partner was suffering from severe health issues, including losing her sight, and that the stress of the COVID-19 lockdown had exacerbated the family’s difficulties. Stewart claimed that Carson “simply lost the run of himself, lost his temper and lashed out in anger,” and emphasized that he had “already paid a price” over the past three years, including the impact on his mental health and community reputation.
Furthermore, the court was informed that Carson had received an anonymous death threat, which forced him to leave his home for his safety. The residents of Maythorn Avenue, over 450 in number, signed a petition demanding that the court make an example of Carson. District Judge Peter King acknowledged the petition, which described the community’s disgust and stress caused by the incident, and called for a custodial sentence to serve as a warning.
Judge King warned against taking justice into one’s own hands, emphasizing that such actions could jeopardize the legal process and personal liberty. He stated, “The reason this case is of such concern is because cruelty to animals is a red flag to a whole raft of other issues.”
On October 9, 2023, Carson was finally sentenced to three months in prison after his appeal was dismissed at Coleraine County Appeal Court. Judge Fiona Bagnall dismissed Carson’s claims that he did not intend to hurt the cat and that he felt remorse immediately afterward. She expressed skepticism about his explanations, stating that the injuries inflicted on Jasper were severe and that Carson’s actions showed a lack of empathy and compassion. The judge pointed out that Carson left the suffering animal to die and showed no regard for its pain.
During the appeal, Stewart acknowledged that Carson’s behavior was “totally horrible, totally unjustified and a cruel act,” but described him as “an otherwise good man who had done a bad thing.” Judge Bagnall responded sharply, noting that many prisoners have similar justifications but that this case involved “gratuitous violence” with the use of a shod foot as a weapon. She affirmed the three-month sentence and imposed a ten-year ban on Carson owning or controlling any animals.
In addition to his imprisonment, Carson was ordered to stay away from animals for ten years. The court also heard that Carson had not committed any further police offenses since the incident, unlike the online death threats and abuse he received, which he described as distressing. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, with residents expressing their disgust and calling for justice. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict penalties against cruelty, as authorities warn that such acts are often indicative of deeper issues.
Carson was caught on CCTV footage viciously kicking the ginger cat multiple times behind a house on Maythorn Avenue. The footage revealed him returning shortly after the initial assault and flipping the injured animal over with his foot, an act that demonstrated a blatant disregard for the suffering of the creature. Despite the severity of the injuries, Carson did nothing to assist Jasper, instead walking away from the scene and returning to his home, leaving the injured animal to endure its pain alone.
The badly hurt cat was later discovered at the rear of the property and was rushed to a veterinary clinic. Veterinarians examined Jasper and initially concluded that the injuries appeared consistent with a road accident. However, further investigation, including the review of CCTV footage by animal advocates, revealed the true cause of the injuries. The footage clearly showed Carson kicking Jasper approximately seven times and then flipping him over with his foot, an act of deliberate cruelty.
During the court proceedings, Carson’s defense lawyer, Alan Stewart, described the incident as “awful” and expressed his client’s remorse. Stewart explained that Carson was ashamed of his actions and had written a letter of apology to Jasper’s owner. He also highlighted that Carson’s partner was suffering from severe health issues, including losing her sight, and that the stress of the COVID-19 lockdown had exacerbated the family’s difficulties. Stewart claimed that Carson “simply lost the run of himself, lost his temper and lashed out in anger,” and emphasized that he had “already paid a price” over the past three years, including the impact on his mental health and community reputation.
Furthermore, the court was informed that Carson had received an anonymous death threat, which forced him to leave his home for his safety. The residents of Maythorn Avenue, over 450 in number, signed a petition demanding that the court make an example of Carson. District Judge Peter King acknowledged the petition, which described the community’s disgust and stress caused by the incident, and called for a custodial sentence to serve as a warning.
Judge King warned against taking justice into one’s own hands, emphasizing that such actions could jeopardize the legal process and personal liberty. He stated, “The reason this case is of such concern is because cruelty to animals is a red flag to a whole raft of other issues.”
On October 9, 2023, Carson was finally sentenced to three months in prison after his appeal was dismissed at Coleraine County Appeal Court. Judge Fiona Bagnall dismissed Carson’s claims that he did not intend to hurt the cat and that he felt remorse immediately afterward. She expressed skepticism about his explanations, stating that the injuries inflicted on Jasper were severe and that Carson’s actions showed a lack of empathy and compassion. The judge pointed out that Carson left the suffering animal to die and showed no regard for its pain.
During the appeal, Stewart acknowledged that Carson’s behavior was “totally horrible, totally unjustified and a cruel act,” but described him as “an otherwise good man who had done a bad thing.” Judge Bagnall responded sharply, noting that many prisoners have similar justifications but that this case involved “gratuitous violence” with the use of a shod foot as a weapon. She affirmed the three-month sentence and imposed a ten-year ban on Carson owning or controlling any animals.
In addition to his imprisonment, Carson was ordered to stay away from animals for ten years. The court also heard that Carson had not committed any further police offenses since the incident, unlike the online death threats and abuse he received, which he described as distressing. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, with residents expressing their disgust and calling for justice. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict penalties against cruelty, as authorities warn that such acts are often indicative of deeper issues.