In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 54-year-old Richard Coyle—of no fixed abode—was jailed for the “vile” torture and mutilation of a hedgehog. The investigation established that Coyle removed the animal’s legs and covered its head and eyes with molten wax while living in a tent in Blackwood, Caerphilly county. Police discovered the hedgehog still alive in August 2019, surrounded by tools used in the attack, including scissors, candles, a jump lead, and a kitchen knife.
The investigation established that the hedgehog was in such a “stomach-churning” state of suffering that it had to be put to sleep immediately after being taken to a vet. An RSPCA inspector reported that the case was one of the worst instances of animal cruelty he had ever encountered in his career. Despite the overwhelming evidence found at the scene, Coyle denied two animal welfare charges, forcing the case through the legal system.
Judicial Findings and Maximum Sentencing
The court reported that Coyle was convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering and the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 for mutilation. The investigation established that the level of “calculated” cruelty involved led the judge to impose the harshest penalty possible at the time. The prosecution reported that Coyle’s actions showed a complete lack of human decency toward a defenceless wild animal.
Judge-led proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court concluded with Coyle being sentenced to 26 weeks in prison—the maximum term available for such a court to impose in 2020. For his actions in Caerphilly and the nature of the “predatory” torture reported, he was removed from the community to serve his custodial term. The judge noted that the severity of the mutilation necessitated the full weight of the law to reflect public disgust at Coyle’s behaviour.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial orders issued in 2020:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (Sentenced to 26 weeks in 2020; currently subject to post-release supervision if within the licence period).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal; Mutilating a wild mammal).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at a Magistrates’ Court; investigated by Gwent Police and the RSPCA.
- Criminal Record: Removed a hedgehog’s legs; Poured molten wax over an animal’s eyes; Utilised scissors and knives for mutilation; Denied all charges despite the animal being found in his tent.
- Origin: Blackwood, Caerphilly (Reported as no fixed abode at the time of sentencing).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Coyle is managed as a high-risk offender with “sinister” violent tendencies under the statutory requirements of the local authorities in South Wales. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “long-term torture of a defenceless creature and the use of improvised tools to inflict pain”—he is a priority for monitoring by the RSPCA and police. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Coyle is flagged as an individual capable of “extreme depravity.”
As a convicted animal abuser, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Coyle’s history identifies him as an individual who prioritised his own “warped” satisfaction over the life of a living creature. Any failure by Coyle to adhere to his licence conditions in Caerphilly or elsewhere, or any further reports of animal cruelty, will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public and animals from a man who “trampled all over the principles of human decency.”
QUESTION – Given that the judge expressed regret at only being able to impose 26 weeks, do you believe that “Extreme Animal Torture” should legally carry a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence to reflect the proven link between animal cruelty and future violence toward humans?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.