MICHAEL MCALLISTER FROM LARNE SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL DOG KILLING IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Larne, Michael McAllister, born on March 9, 1969, was convicted of a heinous act involving the death of a dog, an incident that has left a trail of emotional trauma for the victim’s owner and the local residents alike.

According to court records and police reports, the incident occurred on August 4, 2020, when McAllister was involved in the theft of a small dog named Marley. The dog’s owner, who was present at her residence in Larne, reported that McAllister had entered her flat in an evidently angry state. The situation escalated when Marley, a lively chihuahua, began barking, which seemed to irritate McAllister further.

Witnesses who observed the scene described how McAllister, visibly upset, lifted Marley from the flat and left the premises. Shortly thereafter, police were called to the address following reports of a dog being killed. When officers arrived, they spoke with Marley’s owner, who was visibly distressed. She recounted that McAllister had been in her flat in an agitated condition and that she saw him with Marley’s lifeless body.

Two witnesses confirmed seeing McAllister holding Marley’s limp, deceased form. The police recovered the dog’s body and returned it to the owner, who was overwhelmed with grief. A post-mortem examination later revealed that Marley had died from a subdural haematoma caused by blunt force trauma, indicating a violent assault.

Further investigations uncovered that McAllister had previously made threats against Marley, stating on numerous occasions that he would choke the dog if it did not cease barking. This pattern of threatening behaviour underscored the cruelty involved in the incident.

When questioned by police, McAllister refused to answer any questions and later claimed to a probation officer that he had no memory of the events. His defence highlighted his long-standing issues with alcohol, noting that he typically consumed two to three bottles of wine most days. The defence lawyer, Michael Smyth, explained that McAllister entered a late guilty plea on the day of the trial, partly because he was reluctant to admit to himself or others that he was capable of such violence against a defenseless animal.

During sentencing, the judge, DJ Broderick, emphasized the emotional impact of Marley’s death on his owner, who had found comfort and companionship in her pet. The court was told that she had been emotionally traumatised by the loss of her beloved dog. The judge condemned McAllister’s actions, stating that he had no justification for killing Marley and that, despite his claims of amnesia, it was clear he knew exactly what he was doing.

McAllister was initially taken into custody but was later released on bail after a defence application, set at £500, pending an appeal. The court sentenced him to three months in jail, though he was allowed to remain free on bail while pursuing his appeal. The case has garnered significant attention in Larne and across Northern Ireland, highlighting the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of accountability for such acts.