Ipswich: Angry dog walker drop-kicked his terrier like a rugby ball

Today, Head, of Titan Court, Ipswich, is banned from owning dogs after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, when he appeared before the town’s magistrates.

The 44-year-old claimed a fit of anger when the terrier crossed his path made him do it.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett told South East Suffolk Magistrates Court that Head had been walking in Bramford Road with his Jack Russell named Pip on September 27.

A police constable noticed Head, who has 40 previous convictions for 71 offences, with the eight-year-old dog.

Mr Ablett said the officer saw Head step back and drop-kick Pip, “like a rugby ball”, into the air. The dog landed on its side about a metre away, the court heard.

Head then dragged the stunned Jack Russell - which was still on its side - along the ground by its lead for about three metres, and into the middle of the road.

The police officer went over and picked the dog up. Mr Ablett said it appeared to be in shock.

Pip was taken to the Orwell Veterinary Practice where he was given an anti-inflammatory injection and another for pain relief. Meanwhile, Head was arrested.

John Hughes, representing Head, said his client has a difficult relationship with police, and also with his girlfriend who he believed had disappeared with his money.

Magistrates were told Head was aware police had seen him with the dog when the incident occurred.

Mr Hughes said: “The dog walked across in front of him and in a fit of anger he kicked the dog because it went across his path.”

Head, who is a carer, also admitted a separate offence of failing to surrender to custody in December 9 last year.

He was sentenced to a community order with a six-month curfew from 9pm to 8am every Wednesday to Sunday.

Head must abide by the curfew at the house of a person he cares for in Bramford Lane.

He was also disqualified from owning a dog for five years and was ordered to pay �85 costs.