Paige Reaney, 33, and Graham Marshall, 38, leaving Sheffield Crown Court after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.(Photograph by Tom Maddick/ SWNS)
Sheffield, UK (EPICSTORIAN) — A Sheffield man and woman have been convicted of multiple offenses, including the sexual abuse of their pet dog and possession of child abuse images, following a police investigation.
Graham Marshall, 39, coerced his partner, Paige Reaney, 33, into repeatedly abusing their pet pug, Charlie.
Prosecutors revealed in Sheffield Crown Court that Marshall’s fixation on bestiality began after witnessing similar acts as a child. Reaney also engaged in sexual activity with the dog while alone under his direction.
Police raided the couple’s home after receiving intelligence that Marshall was in possession of child abuse material.
Forensic analysis of electronic devices uncovered further offenses, including indecent images of children and hidden-camera footage of women.
Criminal Acts Exposed in Digital Evidence
Investigators found that Marshall used specialized software to store illegal images in a way that made them difficult to detect.
Hidden-camera recordings showed two adult women using a bathroom, and additional images depicted women’s bodies captured without their knowledge in public spaces such as shopping centers and gyms.
Charges against Marshall included aiding and abetting sexual acts with an animal, causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, failing to ensure the welfare of the dog, voyeurism, and possession of extreme pornographic images.
He also admitted to seven counts of creating or possessing indecent images of children.
Reaney pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with the dog on multiple occasions and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Defense Argues Manipulation and Coercion
Defense attorney Amy Earnshaw told the court that Reaney had been manipulated and pressured into committing the offenses.
She described Marshall as a controlling and abusive partner who exerted influence over Reaney since their relationship began when she was 17.
Arrested in January 2023, Reaney lost custody of her children, and social services intervened. Earnshaw argued that her client, who has learning difficulties, had suffered years of verbal and physical abuse that hindered her ability to make independent decisions.
Andrew Bailey, representing Marshall, said his client had lost his home, job, and family, becoming a target of online harassment and vigilante attacks. He told the court that Marshall now lives in a tent in the woods.
Judge Condemns ‘Grotesque’ Acts
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, presiding over the case, described the crimes as among the most disturbing he had encountered in his 45-year legal career.
“This is a case of grotesque sexual conduct that defies basic human decency,” Richardson stated. “The depravity displayed in these acts is beyond comprehension.”
Both defendants remain in custody, awaiting sentencing.
