Andrew Stewart finally pleaded guilty to animal cruelty on Thursday after torturing the three-year-old Collie whose horrific story made headlines across the UK.
And we can also reveal the remorseless pet killer is living in fear of being attacked as the UDA made veiled threats last night against him.
The burly brute, from Wellington Park Moira, poured lighter fluid over the beloved family pet and then set the dog alight leaving him with such serious burns he had to be put down.
He’s due to be sentenced in six weeks but the judge has already told him he’s going to be sent to jail. But just minutes after walking out of Belfast Crown Court, where his trial was due to go into it’s second day, the 23-year-old posted sickening references to what he did.
Stewart who had not posted anything on his Facebook page since being charged two years ago took to the social networking site just minutes after he pleaded guilty. And instead of taking the opportunity to apologise publicly for his terrible crime he made light of what he had done.
He posted: “Anyone got a light? Spilt petrol on myself….#scumbagforlife.”
The comments have fanned the flames of hate against the dog killer and last night the UDA-linked south Belfast UPRG posted ominous comments about his.
TheUPRG stated:
“Local reps have been contacted by residents of the Derriaghy area over their concern about the presence of the now convicted Dog Killer from Maghaberry Mr Stewart.
“There is some very high feelings about in the community regarding this and it would probably be very wise for him to be careful where he frequents for his own safety.”
And comments made about that statement were even more threatening.
One member of the public wrote: “Just cut the b*****d from ear to ear then pour flammable liquid over him and set him on fire see how the c**t likes it dirty b*****d.”
On Thursday, a prosecution barrister told the Belfast Crown Court Stewart accepted he was the one who poured flammable liquid on the dog.
His co-accused, Jamie Downey, 23, from Chestnut Hill Avenue, Moira, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of perverting the course of justice.
Stewart faced a backlash from the public and even before the veiled UPRG threats he was already preparing for trouble.
He posted on Facebook how he was being forced to work in the store of the convenience store where he works in Ballinderry.
And he even posted a picture of his mums house – seemingly to make it clear that he didn’t live there and so anyone planning any reprisals should leave it alone.
Last night a loyalist source from south Belfast told the Sunday World that people were treating Stewart as if he was a sex offender.
“He is hated for what he did,” said the source. “Feelings are running very high because what he did was just so terrible.
“They are viewing him on a par with sex offenders. The fact he’s been making jokes about it has only made things worse. If he’d thrown his hands up and said sorry straight away he might have been OK but it’s the fact that he clearly doesn’t give a s**t.”
Following the guilty pleas Judge David McFarland said: “It is a serious matter. You will be facing an inevitable prison sentence.”
Prosecutor David Russell said: “Mr Stewart has accepted he was the person who poured flammable liquid over the animal in question and set fire to it in the quarry.”
After the guilty pleas Cody's owner, Natalie Agnew, said she was "delighted".
"We've waited two years for this, for the guilty verdict, and we look forward to the sentencing of the two culprits.
"It's been horrendous, the effect it's had on the children, let alone what they actually did to the poor dog. The effect it's had on my two boys is still ongoing, they've had to have counselling and sleepless nights, nightmares. It's just been awful hard to try and come to terms with."
Under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) a person found guilty of unnecessary suffering can be sentenced to a maximum prison term of two years, a fine, or both.
The incident shocked and horrified animal lovers across Northern Ireland.
The Facebook page set up following the young dog's horrific ordeal has attracted more than 68,000 supporters.
Members of the public donated thousands of pounds to help pay for vet bills to hopefully save the beloved family pet but vets were unable to save him.
(Sunday World - Sept 7, 2014)
Earlier:
kill 'em.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know WHY they did this.
ReplyDeletepoor wee Cody the dog has gone to heaven
ReplyDelete