Ban for man who punched dog in Hove

A man who was seen punching his pet in Hove last week has been banned from keeping dogs.

Nick Coplowe, 36, was spotted attacking the dog in Hove Park on Monday 10 March. He was accused of punching it and swinging it over his shoulder.

He was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 13 March.

Coplowe, of Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, was found guilty. He was fined £1,200. The court ordered that his long-haired schnauzer-type dog be taken from him and that he banned from keeping a dog for five years.

PC Elaine Welsh, from the Brighton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “His 13-month-old schnauzer-cross has been fostered and despite the trauma is a very happy and playful little dog.

“I thank the witnesses who remained fully committed and supportive of the investigation.

“The police along with the RSPCA will always try to bring such perpetrators to justice.”