❌RICHARD FORBES – SHREWSBURY❌

CONVICTED | Richard Forbes, 46, previously of the Meole Brace area of Shrewsbury but now no fixed abode – stabbed and beat a dog causing her to suffer a broken back, broken jaw, major bleeding and other injuries.

Violent drunk Forbes, known by the nickname Cookie, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog – a female Pomeranian called Comet who belonged to his landlady. He also admitted intentional strangulation, possession of a class A substance and failing to provide a specimen of breath.

On June 29, 2024, Forbes, a scaffolder by trade, had been out drinking before returning home and assaulting his 64-year-old landlady, who fled into a neighbouring address. Police were contacted and Forbes was quickly arrested at the scene whilst attempting to drive away in the victim’s car.

Upon being taken into custody, Forbes boasted of having also harmed her pet dog, Comet. The woman, accompanied by officers, returned to the address where the assault had taken place and discovered the 22-year-old dog with multiple stab wounds and wrapped in a blanket.

Comet’s injuries included a broken neck and jaw. She was raced to an emergency veterinarian, but very sadly she had to be euthanised.

Her owner bravely took to the witness stand to tell the court how she thought Forbes would kill her.

She revealed the harrowing ordeal her pet suffered at his hands, and said she had “sobbed and sobbed and sobbed” after telling her treasured pet “I love you, little girl,” before she was put to sleep.

On 31 January 2025 Forbes was sentenced for the charges relating to the incident on June 29, 2024, as well as grievous bodily harm for a separate incident that took place in Shrewsbury on July 28, 2023, where he assaulted several people, leaving one man with serious injuries.

Detective Constable Geoff Anslow, from Shrewsbury CID, said: “This is a horrendous case, involving a sickening act of cruelty towards a defenceless animal and a much-loved pet.

“The actions of Forbes were wicked beyond belief and have had a devastating impact upon the victim.

“I welcome the sentence handed to Forbes and hope that justice has now been achieved for the victim and Comet, whom the victim described as the sweetest little dog in the whole world.”

Sentencing | seven-and-half-year custodial sentence for all the offences; 10-year restraining order against his landlady; six-year driving ban. Banned from owning animals for 30 years.