Alleged puppy killing case most cruel judge has seen in her career

Refusing to release the 23-year-old on bail, DJ Bernie Kelly told Craigavon Magistrates Court: “I have been in this post for more than 35 years and I have never in my life come across something as cruel as what’s alleged in this case.”

Revealing how she had been sent a photograph of the alleged incident which claimed the life of Sparky the dog “even before the case came to Court such is the outrage,” the judge added that “I’m shocked I’m going to say this but [it was done] for someone’s entertainment.”

“He is entitled to the presumption of innocence but your client is in that photograph,” Judge Kelly told defence solicitor Gabriel Ingram.

Keegan, from Gilpins Manor in Lurgan, appeared in court via videolink from Maghaberry prison where he is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to the puppy on 3 February this year.

No details of the alleged attack have been opened in court but it is understood Keegan was arrested after police were made aware that a puppy had been killed in an alleged hammer attack at a flat in Ailsbury Park, Lurgan.

In court today a police officer told Mr Ingram the case against Keegan was based on forensic evidence but the lawyer highlighted the fact that to date, no forensic report has been forthcoming.