07/10/2025
TRADIE TO SPEND MORE TIME IN JAIL AFTER HORRIFIC KILLING OF FAMILY DOG
Magistrate calls it one of the worst acts of animal cruelty seen in 40 years as Armstrong Creek man faces more prison time.
A Geelong tradesman who brutally killed a small dog after throwing it from a veranda has been told he will spend additional time in prison.
Thirty-year-old Andrew James Jones appeared via video link from Marngoneet Correctional Centre before Geelong Magistrates Court on Monday for sentencing before Magistrate Franz Holzer.
Jones, from Armstrong Creek, had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated animal cruelty over the May 16 incident, during which he killed a woman’s pet Jack Russell.
According to court records, Jones entered the woman’s home, retrieved a metal pole from his ute, and struck the small dog several times—described as swinging the pole “like a baseball bat.”
The blows caused fatal injuries before Jones lifted the dog’s body by its collar and threw it into the driveway.
Passers-by walking their own dogs discovered the severely injured pet and contacted police and a nearby vet.
Two veterinarians attended and provided emergency care but were forced to euthanize the animal due to the extent of its injuries.
Magistrate Holzer described the dog as “incapacitated, helpless, and defenceless,” calling the act one of the worst examples of animal cruelty he had encountered in his four decades working in the justice system.
Citing a psychological report, Mr. Holzer noted that Jones had himself referred to his actions as “f---ed up,” a description the magistrate agreed was accurate.
“This was an act indescribably lacking in humanity,” Mr. Holzer said.
Defence lawyer Will Hart told the court that Jones had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and shown genuine remorse, turning himself in to police soon after the incident.
He noted Jones’ difficult upbringing, diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, and otherwise solid work history.
Hart argued for a combined sentence of prison time followed by a community corrections order (CCO), saying such an approach would better support rehabilitation and community safety.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Sinfield accepted a combined sentence could be considered but urged the court to impose a “significant” term of imprisonment given the gravity of the offence.
Mr. Holzer said he was undecided on whether a mixed sentence was appropriate but confirmed Jones would remain in custody while Corrections Victoria carried out an assessment.
Jones’ property has reportedly been vandalised since the attack became public, with graffiti accusing him of being “a rat who kills dogs.”
The matter will return to court on October 21, when Jones will learn the full extent of his sentence.
