Man (31) faces trial over Goldthorpe dog cruelty

A MAN is due to stand trial for animal cruelty after an incident in Goldthorpe.

James Hodgson (31), of no fixed abode, appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last Thursday where he denied causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

He was charged with the offence after police were called to Goldthorpe last Wednesday to reports of a man using a metal chain to cause harm to a dog.

Hodgson, who also denied an offence of using threatening and abusive behaviour to cause fear and harm, is due to go on trial at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on February 10.

He was released on bail to appear on that date.

A further charge of breaching a domestic violence protection order was withdrawn.