“Hardman” stole two Pomeranian dogs and hit mom twice in the face in front of the sons’ eyes

Lewis Parker, 27, walked into the house in Thurcroft, Rotherham and stole the two dogs while two boys were at home – he was later found at another address attacking the mother and dogs

A “hardman” stole two dogs and slapped a mother in the face in front of her teenage children.

Lewis Parker, 27, had been drinking with a friend last month and claimed he was taken advantage of when they tricked him into stealing dogs to settle a dispute over money.

He went into a house in Thurcroft, Rotherham, and stole two Pomeranian dogs while two boys, ages 13 and 16, were in it, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

One of the boys alerted his mother, who was out at the time, before contacting her partner, YorkshireLive reports.

All four found Parker, the dogs, and those who later recruited him at a different address.

District attorney Brian Outhwaite said Parker held one of the dogs around his neck, knocked one on the ground and even threatened to kill it while its terrified owners and two teenagers watched.

Parker, from Maltby, also hit the mother twice on the head before one of the dogs cried out in pain as he was thrown to the ground.

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The terrified victims all went back home and closed their doors for fear of further attacks.

Parker did not come into the house but damaged a Mercedes car parked in their driveway.

Parker admitted burglary, assault and property damage in connection with the ordeal.

He was convicted of violating an injunction and criminally damaging property against a former partner.

He was described as a “Hardman” by his victims, and Witnesses who were with the 16-year-old boy added that he knew Parker had a reputation.

The court heard that he visited his ex’s house and threw bricks through her window.

He was also convicted of assault and property damage for beating a man and damaging his £ 800 worth of van in Rotherham on August 27.

Recorder Mark McKone QC sentenced him to three years and eight months in prison after admitting all charges.