Yahoo News Puppy battle between boyfriend who sold his lover's dog and the pet's new owner ends with one stabbed, court hears
A puppy custody battle between a boyfriend who sold his lover's dog behind her back and the pet's new owner ended with her being stabbed in the arm, a court heard.
Assistant fair manager Luke Thurston, 22, found himself in hot water when he sold his girlfriend Rosie's dog without her permission.
Mr Thurston attempted to get the Staffordshire Terrier back 24 hours after the sale - only to be accused of robbery after getting into a struggle with Bella's new owners in the living room of their home .
New owner Katrell Lovick received a cut to the arm and accused Mr Thurston of stabbing her. But Mr Thurston insisted it was done by her own boyfriend as he struggle over the dog and Ms Lovick grabbed her back.
He came in and picked Bella up. It seemed like he was angry
Katrell Lovick
Hull Crown Court heard the dispute began between four former friends 10 weeks after Bella was born. Luke Thurston and his girlfriend Rosie had bought Bella as their family pet and often visited Katrell Lovick and her boyfriend Craig Turner introducing them to the dog in Arthur Street, Hull.
Ms Lovick told Hull Crown Court: "I met Bella a few times in Luke and Rosie's flat. I thought the dog was real cute. I said if they ever want to get rid of her, I would have her."
She said the couple would often argue - saying if they split, they could not keep the Bella. She said the couple had fallen-out on November 26th last year and Mr Thurston had asked her if she still wanted Bella.
"The price was £100, at first," said Ms Lovick. "I knocked him down to £50. I went around to their flat and got the dog crate and bed. I collected Bella from his mum. My understanding was the dog was mine. I went out on the Sunday got dog chews - puppy pads, flee shampoo and everything I needed to look after the dog.
"I spent all day with her - messing about with dog chews, playing with her in the dining area. I took her to see my mum because she helped me pay for her. I took her on the lead. I took some picture of Bella and put her on Facebook with the caption: "Look a new member of the family."
"The only problem was, with Rosie, his girlfriend. She wanted the dog back. She tried contacting me on Facebook. She offered me £100. She said her mate had rung the police and that the police were coming to collect the dog. She said she had reported it because it was her dog.
Ms Lovick said: "I was offered £100. I said no thank you. She is my dog. I paid for her. I called the police and they said it was a civil matter."
Ms Lovick said she tried to calm matters by sending Rosie picture s to show Bella was happy. She said when she got a text from Luke Thurston saying : "There is going to be war, ha, ha, ha," she thought that referred to a war of words between Luke and Rosie over him selling the dog. She said he told her he would sort things out and she just brushed it aside.
Ms Lovick said the main drama began the next day on November 27 when Luke Thurston arrived at her door - where he normally knocked - but just walked in. She said: "He was red-faced. I asked him what the matter was. He did not respond. He came in and picked Bella up. It seemed like he was angry, but did not respond.
"He slammed £50 on the table in change and notes. He did that after he picked Bella up. I said no! I have paid for the dog. She is mine! I said it's not money I want. I had no intention of selling the dog."
She said: "He went to walk out the door with Bella. I went to the door to grab Bella out of his arms. I told him to put the dog down.
"The next thing there is him and my partner Craig on the table fighting. During the struggle I saw a knife. I saw a blade with a white handle."
Ms Lovick admitted everything was a blur after that and she could not recall exactly how she had been stabbed. She said: "I noticed the skin under my left arm was flapping. It was bleeding. I don't know how that happened."
Under cross-examination defence barrister Richard Thompson told Ms Lovick when the fight started over the dog, it was her boyfriend, Craig Thompson, who had the knife in his hands. He said Mr Thurston had gone around after the police had told her to give the dog back to Rosie and Mr Thurston had said the reason he was selling the dog was because he could not keep her in his new home and may want her back in the future.
I knew I had been stabbed
Katrell Lovick
Mr Lovick denied the police had told her to give the dog back. She admitted she could not remember how the injury was caused to her arm, but said: "I knew I had been stabbed by Luke." She said she would never have paid for the dog if tshe thought she was going to give it back.
Mr Thompson continued: "You don't know how it happened?"
Ms Lovick admitted: "My mind is blocking it out. It is post-traumatic stress. I have had to deal with a hell of a lot since November 27. My partner has to dress me. I am nervous. I suffer panic attacks. I am still suffering."
Mr Thompson said: "I suggest the police said, you should give the dog back and get your money back, but you weren't prepared to listen to anyone."
Ms Lovick replied: "No. Why I am I being penalised? It is my dog I paid for it. If I had known what was going to happen, there was no way I would put myself through that. I paid for the dog in good faith. She was mine. She was cute and adorable."
Mr Thompson said: "Because you liked her so much, you were hoping not to give her back?"
Ms Lovick replied: "As far as I am concerned once you pay for something it's yours. A shopkeeper would not come and take something back when you had paid."
Mr Thurston denies charges of robbery and causing grievous bodily harm. The trial continues.
