Sunderland and South Shields pair jailed after dog's death following 'childish' online spat

Reece Hepplewhite revved the engine of his silver Volvo Estate with friend Daniel Langley in tow and sped towards the man and his two pets in January.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Langley, 30, who knew the victim from his schooldays, egged on the attack by shouting at Hepplewhite to “run him and the dogs over”.

Tragically, the victim's companion, King, a bully breed, was crushed against a wall by the vehicle and died from his injuries.

Prosecuting, Ian Cook told the court a feud broke out between the homeless man and Langley on Facebook several weeks earlier in December 2025.

The victim had posted a picture of King online, resulting in Langley calling the animal a “turkey” which sparked a row.

The court was told that Langley then threatened to “chop his dog's head off and put it on a pole” and to stab and ram the victim, who was sleeping rough in South Shields town centre and other parks at the time.

Fearing for his safety, the homeless man decided to move to a different area on January 6 when he was spotted by the defendants.

Hepplewhite, 25, knocked into the victim from behind with his car causing one of his dogs to flee.

Not content, he then sped around the block and came back to try and hit him again but instead struck King, crushing him against a wall.

Springing out of the car, Langley threatened the victim was “going to get it” as Hepplewhite said “if the police get rang there will be money on your head”.

Hepplewhite, of Cheshire Grove, in South Shields, admitted dangerous driving, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Langley, of Hylton Road, in Sunderland, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

No victim impact statement was read out in court although King's owner left a card at the scene, which read: “Fly high King you will always be my best friend, justice will be served.”

Defending, lawyers for both men claimed they did not mean to kill the dog and argued the vehicle was out of control due to icy conditions.

They added both men have become known as “dog killers” in the local community and have received abuse online.

For Hepplewhite, John Wilkinson said: “This was not a deliberate killing.

“He couldn't control the car and as a consequence of that it struck the animal which unfortunately died.”

Defending Langley, Robin Turton said: “This was a criminally stupid incident resulting from a stupid, childish dispute with someone who Langley had known for a long time.”

Recorder Richard Stubbs sentenced the pair to 18 months behind bars and banned Hepplewhite from driving for two years and one month.

A restraining order was also put in place.

“You were indifferent as to whether the dog was scared off or killed,” Recorder Stubbs added.