Man who tortured a family dog in a horrific attack has been told he will face a prison sentence – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Man who tortured a family dog in a horrific attack has been told he will face a prison sentence




A man from Co Armagh who tortured a dog in horrific attack has been told he will face a prison sentence. 23 year old Andrew Stewart is understood to set fire to the family’s pet dog in what is described as a disgusting and unjust attack on a defense less animal.

Mr Stewart, from Wellington Park, Moira, Co Armagh, had earlier denied involvement but pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary cruelty to an animal in August 2012.

His co-accused, 23-year old Jamie Downey, was also charged he pleaded guilty on Thursday to perverting the course of justice also despite earlier denials.

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Three year old Cody, a Collie, was severley burned in the attack, that her ribs and other joints were visible through the charred flesh. Poor Cody only survived for two weeks after the disgusting attack, when she had to be put down after vets concluded the animal would never fully recover.

Mr Stewart, had denied the charges for two years, is understood to have dramatically changed his plea minutes before the dog’s owners were due to give evidence at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday.

Judge David McFarland, Belfast Recorder, told the accused that: “It is a serious matter, you will be facing an inevitable prison sentence.”

Judge Mc Farland has also requested a psychiatric assessment be carried out on the accused.

Judge Mc Farland stated: “Potentially this is an arson and it is normal for the court to try to ascertain why people set fire to objects, animals and the like.”

The court also heard that Stewart repeatedly lied about his whereabouts on the morning Cody was attacked.

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