Accused says he accidently chopped animal with sword

A man who claimed that a “freak accident” caused him to injure his brother’s dog, has been warned not to inflict any harm on any animal in the future.

Trevor Fitzgerald Skeete, 51, of Bawdens Hill, St Andrew, was given the advice by Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes when he returned to the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for sentencing.

On his last appearance on Saturday, Skeete admitted that he wantonly and cruelly caused unnecessary mutilation to an animal on July 12, 2021.

According to the facts, as outlined to the court, the dog belonged to Skeete’s brother. The owner left home on the day in question and on his return he saw his children crying.

He was told the accused had injured the dog – a Ridgeback mixed with German Shepherd – by chopping it on its head.

As a result, the dog spent six days at the vet, costing its owner $610 in treatment and medication.

When asked to explain his actions, Skeete told the court he did not intentionally hurt the animal.

“I would not go and directly chop the dog. It was a freak accident. I went by the back by my property and the dog came at me. I had a sword in my hand because I went to cut the leaves off a tree. The dog run at me and I run away but my slippers pop and the sword fell out of my hand and hit the dog,” he explained.

When asked by the Chief Magistrate how the dog was recuperating, the owner said the animal was doing well.

While he told the court he was willing to accept compensation, he said he did not want a recurrence of the incident.

The Chief Magistrate then ordered Skeete to pay $610 in compensation by November 12.

If the money is not paid by that date, he will spend 90 days in prison.

The Chief Magistrate also told Skeete not to interfere with the animal and to keep away from his brother and his family.