Sentencing delayed for stabbing of dog
The sentencing of a man who stabbed an elderly jack russell has been delayed so he can apologise to the dog’s owner.
Raymond Kilgour, 43, appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Friday for sentencing, after admitting stabbing his mate’s dog, Skipper.
Christchurch man
Duncan McCormack, Skipper’s owner, ensured his dog had a voice in court. He read out a touching victim impact statement about the dog’s pain, suffering, and continued nervousness after he was stabbed on July 13 last year.
But as the sentencing went ahead, it became clear that what was really needed was a restorative justice meeting between Kilgour, and McCormack, where apologies could be offered.
For a reason that was not clear, restorative justice officials had decided no meeting should take place. Both parties – who were friends until the late-night stabbing of Skipper – were still willing.
Judge Gary MacAskill decided to put the sentencing off until December 20 and suggested in the meantime Kilgour could pay McCormack’s $1311 vet’s bill.
The pair were drinking together when there was a joking conversation about stabbing Skipper to death because of his age and health. The dog was 12 at the time. At 11.50pm, McCormack heard a yelp and saw his pet had been stabbed in his neck and shoulder.
He still saw mental images of blood spurting from the dog’s neck, he said. ‘‘I thought my dog was going to die. It was horrific,’’ he said in court.
He could not work for two weeks and had very little sleep. ‘‘Skipper required constant reassurance and comforting 24/7,’’ he said. The dog had bounced back but had a scar on his shoulder and was clingy. Defence counsel Rupert Ward said Kilgour was remorseful, but McCormick said there had been little sign of remorse or empathy.
Judge MacAskill said everyone agreed restorative justice was the appropriate process in this case, even if a meeting had to be arranged by Ward rather than the appointed officials.
He said there was likely to be a sentence of community work, supervision, and reparation.