Midlothian thug jailed for stabbing, stamping and beating a hedgehog to death

By Alexander Lawrie
Published 1st Dec 2021, 14:13 BST
A sadist who stabbed and stamped a harmless hedgehog to death has been jailed for 20 months.

Let us know what you think and join the conversation at the bottom of this article.

Cruel Niall Sheriden also battered the defenceless animal with a pool cue and a ‘wet floor’ safety sign during the horrific 20 minute attack at a homeless unit in Loanhead, Midlothian.

The 22-year-old thug then threatened police officers he would “slit their throats” and target their families following his arrest earlier this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Behind bars: Cruel Niall Sheriden stabbed, stamped and bludgeoned a hedgehog to death.Behind bars: Cruel Niall Sheriden stabbed, stamped and bludgeoned a hedgehog to death.
Behind bars: Cruel Niall Sheriden stabbed, stamped and bludgeoned a hedgehog to death.

A postmortem conducted by a vet found the hedgehog likely endured “significant and unnecessary pain and suffering” and its death had not been instantaneous.

Helpless hedgehog stabbed, stamped and bludgeoned to death by cruel Midlothian thug

Sheriden appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court by video link from Low Moss prison last month where he pled guilty to a number of charges including causing a protected animal unnecessary suffering before killing it.

He was returned to the dock and defence solicitor David Storrie, told the court Sheriden was high on a mixture of drink and drugs at the time.