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South Downs sheep killers jailed as campaigners call for stronger animal cruelty laws

HOVE, EAST SUSSEX, 23 February 2026 – Two men who brutally killed a sheep in the South Downs have been jailed today, as campaigners renewed calls for stronger legal recognition of animals as victims of violent crime.

Leighton Ashby, 22, and Oakley Hollands, 20, both from Kent, were sentenced at Hove Trial Centre today (Monday 23 February) after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in relation to the killing of a sheep, named ‘Eunice’ by campaigners, in November 2023 near Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex.

Ashby was sentenced to two years in custody. Hollands was sentenced to 20 months in a young offenders’ institution.

Sentencing the pair, Judge Jeremy Gold described the offences as “callous and frankly sadistic behaviour” and said the facts of the case were “truly shocking”. He referred to Eunice as an “innocent creature” and warned that both defendants pose a high risk to animals in the future. The court confirmed the case fell within Category 1A, the most serious offence category under sentencing guidelines.

The Judge said:

“Quite what satisfaction you could derive from chasing sheep is difficult to understand but you caught a lamb, which you then kicked and beat to death for your own perverse satisfaction.”

“The ordeal suffered by that defenceless animal is graphically portrayed on the video footage that you took during the attack.”

“As if what had already been done was not bad enough, you decided to insert fireworks into the lamb to cause further suffering and mutilation of this innocent creature.”

“The fact that you both come from farming backgrounds and were studying at Plumpton at the time makes your callous and frankly sadistic behaviour all the more alarming and difficult to comprehend.”

The case related to a prolonged and violent attack lasting around 30 minutes. Evidence included video footage showing the sheep being chased, repeatedly punched and kicked, and ultimately killed. The footage also captured Hollands laughing and encouraging further violence. The attack was filmed and shared.

The case prompted significant public outrage, with more than 80 impact statements submitted to police by members of the public. A community impact statement read in court described “shock and disgust” among local residents, with some reporting anxiety and sleepless nights after learning about the incident. The Crown Prosecution Service also received extensive correspondence in response to the case.

Campaigners welcomed the custodial sentences but said the case highlights the need for further reform so that animals are legally recognised as victims of violent crime rather than property. Under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, the most serious offences of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

Rob Smith, campaigner, said:

“We welcome the fact that these offenders have received immediate custodial sentences. This was a shocking and prolonged act of cruelty, and prison was the only appropriate outcome.

But this case also exposes the limits of current law. Animals are still treated as property rather than as victims in their own right. We will continue to campaign for legal reform so that the justice system fully reflects the seriousness of violent cruelty.”

Rebecca Ahimsa-Rae, campaigner, said:

“The judge’s comments make clear just how extreme this violence was. Eunice was an innocent, defenceless victim. Today’s sentence sends an important message, but more must be done to ensure the law recognises the suffering animals endure.”

Members of the public and activists from the Justice for Eunice campaign, organised by Brighton Animal Action, gathered outside the court ahead of sentencing, where victim impact statements written on behalf of Eunice were read.

Campaigners say the case represents a turning point in public awareness of serious animal cruelty and will continue to press for legal change.

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Press release by Animal Newsroom.

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