A PUPPY moaned in pain as it was swung by a front leg during a hotel melee, Wagga Local Court has been told.
Disturbing details of how Darrin Michael Stephens, also known as Jack Stephens, abused his little dog during a violent rant at the Ashmont Inn on December 19 were revealed on Wednesday after he accepted the police version of events.
The puppy was constantly moaning and in pain
- Wagga police
Stephens previously pleaded guilty to four offences – assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault, committing an act of cruelty upon an animal and failing to leave (licensed) premises – but said he disputed police facts.
But when the case was mentioned this week, Stephens’ solicitor David Barron said his client not so much disputed the facts, it was more an explanation of his behaviour.
That explanation will be put to the court when Stephens is sentenced on May 10.
According to the facts, 48-year-old Stephens, of Ashmont, rode a bicycle to his local about 6pm with a large dog on a leash and the puppy in his hand.
He tied the large dog to a pole and went inside the pub with the puppy.
An argument began with the licensee about the large dog biting pub patrons in the past, and after being told he was barred, Stephens punched the licensee in the arm and stomach a number of times.
Another man stepped in and Stephens punched him in the chest.
As the man approached Stephens again “the accused clenched the small puppy by the front leg and swung it from left to right towards (the licensee)”, the fact said.
“The puppy was constantly moaning and in pain.
“The accused stumbled sideways and dropped the puppy on a table at the bar.
“The puppy was again moaning and in pain.
“A female at the hotel ran across and picked the puppy up.”
Stephens repeatedly punched the man, whose shirt had been pulled over his head by Stephens, splitting his lip and bruising his eye.
Police arrived and arrested an intoxicated Stephens.
The tendered police facts did not reveal the fate of the puppy.
