SEAN THAIN FROM EDZELL INVOLVED IN CRUELTY AND ASSAULT INCIDENTS IN BRECHIN AND PORTLETHEN

Sean Thain, born around 1995 and residing at Plantingside Cottage in Edzell, Brechin, became the subject of serious criminal proceedings following a disturbing incident involving his family’s husky puppy. The incident, which took place at Thain’s family home, drew significant attention due to the nature of the cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animal.

According to court records, Thain was involved in a violent act against the puppy, which was left injured and limping after the attack. The assault occurred on March 21, 2014, when Thain’s actions shocked those present. The court heard that Thain had invited three friends over to his residence at Plantingside Cottage while his parents were away. The gathering involved the consumption of alcohol, including beer and vodka, which appeared to have contributed to the escalation of events.

It was during this gathering that Thain allegedly committed a heinous act against the puppy. Witnesses reported that Thain, without warning, grabbed the dog by her collar and forcefully threw her into the air before slamming her onto the hard tiled kitchen floor. The force of the attack caused the dog to sustain injuries, and she was seen limping away from the scene, seeking refuge under a table. The severity of the injury was evident, and the incident was described as a “choke-slam,” a term used by the fiscal depute Cheryl Clark during the court proceedings.

Further details emerged when Thain’s behavior turned aggressive later that evening. When a friend, Kyle Leask, attempted to take a pillow from Thain’s room so he could sleep on the floor, Thain reacted violently. He reportedly tried to punch Mr. Leask but missed, then proceeded to kick him in the chest. This aggressive outburst led to a physical altercation among the friends, prompting Thain’s parents to return home and call the police to address the escalating situation.

During the court hearing, Thain’s defense lawyer, Iain McGregor, stated that the husky had subsequently died from meningitis. He insisted that the dog’s death was unrelated to the earlier assault, although the incident had garnered widespread condemnation. Thain was also accused of threatening to set the dog on fire the following morning, but he pleaded not guilty to this charge, and the Crown accepted his plea.

Sentencing for Thain was deferred to June 2015, and the outcome of that hearing was not available at the time of the report. The case drew further attention in September 2022 when Thain was involved in another violent incident. According to reports from the Press and Journal, Thain was attacked at a party by Adam Martin, a 25-year-old animal enthusiast. The altercation was triggered after Thain reportedly boasted to party guests that he had killed a dog, which enraged Martin.

During the incident on Cairngrassie Circle in Portlethen, Thain sustained injuries that required ten stitches to his mouth, leaving him with permanent scars. Court testimony revealed that Thain was drinking with Martin on October 15, 2021, when an argument erupted after Thain received a phone call that appeared to provoke him. Witnesses stated that Thain became aggressive, headbutted Martin, causing him to lose his balance and fall. As Martin attempted to defend himself, he delivered multiple punches to Thain’s face, which resulted in Thain being injured.

Martin pleaded guilty to assaulting Thain through headbutting and punching, actions that left Thain with visible injuries. His defense attorney, Christopher Maitland, explained that Martin’s reaction was fueled by anger over Thain’s earlier boast about killing a dog. Maitland emphasized that Martin, an animal lover, was remorseful and took responsibility for his actions. The court noted Martin’s previous conviction for assault, which was over six years old, and decided to impose a fine of £320.

As of September 2022, Thain was reported to be living at Cairnhill Way in Newtonhill, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, with the address listed as AB39 3ND. However, by May 2024, records indicate that Thain had relocated to 6 Wards Road in Brechin, with the postal code DD9 7AS. It is also reported that he is employed by Shepherd Commercial, where he performs various property maintenance tasks, marking a new chapter in his life after the series of legal issues and violent incidents.