Father jailed for killing child's pet snake

A family dispute turn tragic for their pet corn snake when Barry Laverick came into the home in a drunken rage and proceeded to bite the head of his children's pet. From the Darlington & Stockton Times:

Jacqui Edwards, prosecuting, said Laverick had been drinking when he came into Ms West’s home, in Linfield Ash, Coulby Newham, on April 6. Laverick told Ms West she would not be able to move her snake or the family dog in a planned house move, adding: “That dog’s only going if it’s stuffed.” He became increasingly aggressive and called the family to the foot of the stairs where he held the snake. Ms Edwards said Laverick threatened to bite the snake’s head off and added: “His 12-year-old son was screaming for him not to do it, but the appellant bit the snake’s head from the body and two-year-old started to scream." “Victoria West describes herself as being in shock and found herself placing the two parts of the snake into the tank. “She effectively told him to get out of the house, but he began pulling her hair. The eldest son took the youngest into his arms. “She was in fear and struck Laverick twice in the face but was too frightened to call the police. “He called to the dog and said, ‘if you think that’s bad wait ‘til I cut the dog’s head off’.”

Laverick is currently jailed for 16 months for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He attempted to appeal it, however, his motion was denied. He was also charged with assualting Ms. West.