Twisted thug who poured boiling liquid on his girlfriend’s dog – causing horrific burns – and fractured its ribs, tail and pelvis in separate attacks has been jailed
RSPCA inspector describes prolonged period of cruelty as 'appalling'
A THUG who poured boiling liquid on his girlfriend's beloved dog - causing horrific burns - and fractured its ribs, tail and pelvis in separate attacks has been jailed.
King Charles spaniel Daisy was left with burns and scabbing all over her head, back and hind quarters after Mark Simon Sharp, 34, of no fixed address, poured liquid on her in January.
The earlier injuries to Daisy's ribs, tail and pelvis were described as like those seen in a road traffic accident by an RSPCA inspector.
Sharp was handed a 16-week prison sentence at Liverpool Magistrate's Court for causing the horrific injuries and was banned from keeping animals for 15 years.
He had admitted January's sickening attack – as well as two previous incidents.
The court heard that Sharp had attacked Daisy on June 27 last year, weeks before moving in with the dog's owner, his then-girlfriend.
This attack left Daisy with two fractures in her tail and a fractured pelvis.
Sharp said he may have "trodden" on Daisy, who was then three years old.
He also said admitted breaking nine of her ribs in December but claimed the injuries were suffered when he pulled her lead to stop another dog attacking her.
But Peter Mitchell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court a vet had confirmed the injuries were inconsistent with the defendant's explanations.
Mr Mitchell said: "Mr Sharp was interviewed by RSPCA inspectors and said that he had trodden on the dog in the first incident and pulled Daisy away when another dog approached in the second incident.
"He insisted that he had no recollection of causing the burns.
"Both of the first attacks were from hard and forced trauma that were similar to injuries suffered in road traffic accidents.
"It is my understanding that he still continues to deny the pouring boiling liquid on the dog despite pleading guilty."
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Despite pleading guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal Sharp insisted he had no memory of pouring water on the animal.
The defendant, who was unrepresented, told the court he did not believe "he could hurt anyone or anything".
Sharp relationship with Daisy's owner ended shortly after the incident in January.
The court heard he was forced to leave the area, his job and his family after being targeted on social media in the wake of the incident.
Sharp said: "I admitted on the first interview that it was all my fault that Daisy was hurt in the first two incidents, I'm quite a clumsy fella.
"In that time of my life, I didn't like myself. I don't believe that I could hurt anyone or anything but I accept that I have put Daisy at risk.
"But I'm not that type of person, I'm not a psychotic person.
"I was never alone with Daisy in January. I have asked myself, as any normal person would if I could have done this when I was drunk and alone or something like that, but [my girlfriend] and her family were always upstairs when I was with Daisy.
"There was no sign of any injury at first and it was only later that it started to scab over.
"I have been forced to leave a job that I loved with a train company as well as my family and my son to start a new life elsewhere after this.
"There was no choice but to move away and I only see my son every two weeks, he is my life and keeps me going.
"This is how it has impacted on my life and I am sure it has affected other people's lives as well."
Sharp was handed a 16-week prison sentence and ordered to pay a £80 victim surcharge as well as being banned from keeping any animals for 15 years.
Sentencing, District Judge Wendy Lloyd said: "The dog's scars were so clear that you must have known she was injured. It would have been obvious.
"I bear in mind your guilty plea but you will go to prison for 16 weeks."
Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Claire Fisher said: "Daisy's owner, who is no longer with Sharp, was absolutely horrified when she learnt of the full extent of the horrors inflicted on her beloved dog.
"This prolonged period of cruelty appalled me, especially when I learned of the extent of poor Daisy's injuries, broken pelvic bones, broken ribs and third degree burns.
"By Sharp's own admission, Daisy would cower and urinate around him.
"Since Daisy was subjected to this vile behaviour, it is a miracle she is still so trusting of people.
"People can rest assured that Daisy remains in the most loving home and has always had every need, and more, met by her owner.
"The sentence given out by the court shows that anyone who perpetrates this crime will be prosecuted, will go before the courts and will go to prison."
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