Kent Men Admit Shocking Sheep Torture on South Downs
Two men from Kent have pleaded guilty to a brutal animal cruelty case after violently killing a sheep on the South Downs last year.
Brutal Attack Caught on Camera
Leighton Ashby, 31, from Beckett Road, and Oakley Hollands, 20, of Horton Kirby, travelled to a field near Ditchling Beacon on the night of 2 November 2023. There, they chased down sheep before dragging one into a horrific attack.
The pair used explosive “bangers” to inflict catastrophic injuries on the defenceless animal. Disturbingly, Hollands filmed the entire savage assault on his phone. Police later found more shocking videos on the device showing attacks on both live and dead animals.
Evidence Leads to Quick Arrests
Their cruelty left clues behind. Investigators found the sheep’s ear tags at a property connected to Ashby, believed to have been removed at the scene.
The attack was reported to Sussex Police on 6 November. Within two days, both men were arrested and charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Court Appearance and Community Outrage
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 7 August, Ashby and Hollands admitted guilt and were released on bail. Sentencing is due in October.
“This was an appalling act of cruelty on a defenceless animal, filmed by the perpetrators for their own gratification,” said Superintendent Rachel Swinney. “We’re working closely with local farmers to reassure the rural community and will continue to fight rural crime.”
The case has sent shockwaves through the South Downs community, with farmers warning such barbaric acts jeopardise livestock welfare and cause widespread distress.
