Dognapper attacked women in terrifying bid to steal pet

The owners had been walking the animal in Hylton Castle, Sunderland, in November 2023 when Kieron Kennedy approached and warned "give me her or I will hurt you".

Newcastle Crown Court heard while the victims bravely tried to protect their beloved pet, Kennedy threw punches at both and dragged one of the the women to the ground by her lip.

Kennedy, a self-employed tattoo artist, eventually walked off empty handed when a passer-by realised what was happening and said they were calling the police.

The 29-year-old, of Bristol Avenue, Washington, Tyne and Wear, admitted two charges of attempted robbery and has today been jailed for two years and ten months.

Recorder Nathan Moxon told him it was a "terrifying incident where you used violence to attempt to steal a living creature".

The recorder added: "Had it not been for the bravery of the complainants who fought to protect their pet you would have achieved your aim.

"It is clear the dog was a beloved pet, evident by the fact they fought to protect it from you despite your violence towards them.

"It was a clear and obvious attempt to rob the complainants of their dog. You assaulted them and made numerous attempts to take possession of the dog."

Proscutor Gurjot Kaur told the court Kennedy had approached the women as they walked the pet near a cemetery.

Kennedy initially tried to stroke the dog and asked questions about it but as the women began to walk away he tried to grab the lead and warned: "Give me her or I will hurt you."

He then made "numerous attempts" to grab the dog while the owners sought to protect it.

Kennedy then punched one of the women in the face then put his finger under her top lip and pulled her to the ground.

He punched the other woman to the head and neck area during the attack.

Both women were left bruised and traumatised by what happened to them and no longer feel safe to walk the dog in that area.

The court heard when Kennedy was interviewed he admitted he had been "drinking heavily" and initially claimed he had no memory of what he did then later said he may have thought the dog was his.

He said he was "extremely, extremely sorry".

The court heard Kennedy, who has mental health problems, could lose his business and home while in custody and has never been to prison before.