HORRIFIC HORSE ABUSE BY WALTER, AMANDA AND KEVIN HICKMAN IN BRIERLEY HILL

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Walter Hickman, his wife Amanda 'Mandy' Hickman, and their son Kevin 'Squidge' Hickman, all residents of Wallows Road, Brierley Hill, faced serious criminal charges after their treatment of four horses was exposed. The case, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, revealed a shocking level of neglect that the RSPCA described as 'medieval' in its severity.

These individuals were found to have kept the horses in deplorable conditions, with the RSPCA inspector Nick Sutton condemning their care as completely lacking in knowledge and compassion. The horses were discovered in a state that was close to death, suffering from severe parasitic infestations, malnutrition, and neglect of basic hoof care. The horses had been tethered in a manner that prevented proper movement, and their living environment was grossly inadequate, with insufficient access to water and grazing.

The investigation was initiated in June 2011 when RSPCA inspectors responded to a distress call at the Hickmans' residence. Upon arrival, they found a young foal, only a few weeks old, collapsed inside a horse box on the property. Tragically, the foal was unable to reach its mother for feeding and was beyond saving; it was subsequently euthanized. Although the foal's death was not directly included in the charges, evidence was collected concerning four other horses that had been seized from the Brierley Hill nature reserve, Fens Pool.

During the court proceedings, the Hickmans' solicitor, Stephanie Brownlees, acknowledged that their care had been inadequate but emphasized their emotional attachment to the horses. She explained that Kevin, who had battled cancer as a child and suffered from a long-term memory condition, visited the horses multiple times daily, believing he was doing his best. Brownlees suggested that the family’s ignorance about proper horse care contributed to the neglect, with the horses' thin condition being mistakenly attributed to insufficient feeding rather than underlying health issues.

The court was told that the Hickmans showed no remorse and were in denial about the severity of their neglect, bordering on arrogance. District Judge Michael Wheeler sentenced Amanda Hickman to 16 weeks in prison, Kevin Hickman to 18 weeks, and Walter Hickman, who was wheelchair-bound, to 18 weeks as well. Additionally, all three individuals were permanently banned from owning or keeping horses for life.

Judge Wheeler criticized the defendants for their deliberate denial and lack of responsibility, highlighting that they initially intended to contest the charges but changed their plea to guilty at the last moment. He described the horses' condition as appalling, with sores, pest infestations, emaciation, and inadequate hoof care. The judge emphasized that the neglect had been ongoing and that it was a miracle the animals had survived such long-term abuse.

Following the case, RSPCA inspector Paul Seddon expressed his dismay at the conditions the horses endured, describing them as 'medieval.' He noted that despite multiple interventions and advice, the Hickmans had repeatedly failed to improve the animals' welfare, demonstrating a clear lack of willingness or ability to care properly for them.

In conclusion, the court's ruling reflected the seriousness of the neglect, with the defendants being sentenced to custodial sentences and lifetime bans on any involvement with horses. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting those who cannot speak for themselves.