THE upset owner of a Rottweiler shot dead by a farmer has appeared in court after ramming his car when he tried to collect its body.

Craig Jordan Abbott was “upset” when the farmer shot his dog as a “last resort” after it had been worrying sheep at his farm in the Darlington area in December.

Appearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court yesterday ( Wednesday, January 27), the 21-year-old, pleaded guilty to five charges including criminal damage, driving without insurance and no driving licence on December 22. He was also found driving without insurance or a licence again on January 2.

“The dog was shot because it was worrying sheep on December 18 but on December 22, the defendant attended the farm,” said Kevin Ross, prosecuting.

“The injured party would say there was some aggressive and abusive behaviour exhibited.

“He wanted his dog returning and when he was told he could not have it because arrangements had been made with the defendant’s mother, he reversed into the injured party’s car.”

Mr Ross said Abbott, of Archer Road, Darlington, reversed first into the farmer’s front bumper and then his back one, although the extent of the damage was unknown.

He also told the court how the farmer suspected a Facebook page he believed to be Abbott’s posted comments including “My dog was only a bairn, part of the family, you have taken something away from me, and I’m going to take something away from you”.

Ben Pegman, mitigating, said his client had owned the Rottweiler for four years and asked for the dog back so he could bury it.

“He was upset at what had happened. He’s remorseful for what he’s done but certainly was extremely upset on the day.”

Mr Pegman added that the casual shop fitter had never had a driver’s licence but had “quite extensive driving experience” and was “still anxious” to take his test.

District Judge, Andrew Meachin, gave the father-of-one a community order for 12 months with 40 hours of unpaid work.

He also disqualified him from driving after giving him 14 points on his licence and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

“It reeks of going round to seek revenge for the family pet,” he said.

“I accept you might have been upset but that does not make it OK for you to go around damaging other people’s vehicles.”