September 2020

Woman who performed sex act on dog as ‘grotesque’ men laughed is spared jail

A woman who performed sex acts on a dog was spared jail and is to attend a rehab clinic.

Sarah Meredith, 41, claimed she was “forced” to perform the sex acts on a Patterdale terrier by men who egged her on.

A judge today slammed the “grotesque” men, who have not yet faced prosecution, and said Meredith was also the victim of abuse that day.

Wirral Magistrates’ Court heard Meredith, of no fixed address, had taken Philip Thomas’ dog for a walk from Beckwith Street, Birkenhead, when she abused the animal.

Paula Groggan, prosecuting, today told the court that police were made aware of the incident after a video of the act was sent to the dog’s owner.

They arrived at his address where he showed officers the video – after which he was charged with possessing extreme pornography and admitted the offence at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on August 20.

Ms Groggan explained that there were two video clips.

In one, a male is seen holding the dog underneath its front legs while Meredith is “egged on” to perform the act.

The second video shows Meredith performing a different sex act on the dog.

In both videos people who do not appear on the video can be heard laughing.

The court heard that after taking the dog for a walk for Thomas, who suffers from mobility issues, Meredith told his mother she had “done something really bad” but would not divulge what.

In interview she told officers that while in the park two males, who she refused to name, threatened her with violence and told her to perform a sex act on the dog.

Meredith told officers the men spat on her and explained she wasn’t aware she was being filmed.

Ms Groggan said: “She was ashamed and disgusted in herself for doing it.”

She confirmed that the dog was seized and after being examined by a vet suffered no physical injuries, but Ms Groggan noted that during the video it appears distressed.

The court heard Meredith has a “lengthy record”.

Meredith pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on August 18 this year.

District Judge James Hatton, sentencing, acknowledged Meredith had faced a “number of issues “including “significant mental health issues” and “significant drug abuse”.

The judge also commented on her “traumatic experiences” which “has no doubt contributed to the fact you have started using heroin again and struggling with your mental health”.

District Judge Hatton said: “That animal was treated appallingly.”

The judge accepted that the offence crossed the threshold of custody, but said that Meredith is also “vulnerable” and was victimised by the “grotesque” men who have not yet faced prosecution.

The judge said: “You are also a victim, you were also abused in a sickening manner by those individuals.”

He suspended Meredith’s 16-week sentence for 18 months and ordered her to complete 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements.

Meredith was also banned from keeping animals for five years.

The judge ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

August 2020

Woman performed sex act on dog for drugs as men laughed

A woman who performed a sex act on a dog for drugs today claimed she was “forced” to do it as men laughed and egged her on.

Sarah Joanne Meredith of no fixed address was filmed sexually abusing the medium-sized black dog as two men pinned the animal down.

The shamefaced 41-year-old was supported by a man who tried to prevent a journalist taking her photo as she emerged from court hiding underneath a jacket.

He shouted “you’re not getting a f***ing picture” as he pushed the camera away before bustling the woman into a taxi.

Ayra Ali, prosecuting, said the charge was brought after footage of the sexual act being performed on the dog took place.

The man accused of filming the act was also due to appear at Wirral Magistrates’ Court charged with possessing extreme pornography.

Philip Thomas, 60, of Beckwith Street, Birkenhead, failed to attend today’s hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Describing the 11 seconds of footage, Ms Ali said: “A black medium-sized dog is being held by an adult male with the dog’s back against his stomach.”

She explained the dog was kicking out as another male also held the dog’s front legs.

She said Meredith then performed a sex act on the dog as men shouted at her to “keep going” while laughing.

Ms Ali said: “The defendant stated she was forced to do this, however, the footage shows otherwise.”

Meredith has previous convictions, however, they are not relevant to this case, the court heard.

Regarding this case the defence said: “The males haven’t faced any prosecution in relation to proceedings.

“The male recording it is [subject to criminal but not the males described in the footage who were holding the dog and making directions.”