Former Love Island winner Jack Fincham has successfully appealed against a six-week prison sentence for two dangerous dog offences.
The 32-year-old reality star was originally sentenced at Southend Magistrates’ Court on 29 January after pleading guilty to two charges of having a dangerously out-of-control dog. However, within hours of receiving the custodial sentence, he was released on conditional bail and vowed to challenge the ruling.
On Friday, at Basildon Crown Court, Judge Samantha Leigh ruled that the prison sentence was not appropriate under the circumstances. Instead, she extended a suspended sentence that Fincham had previously received for unrelated offences in 2023—drug driving and the fraudulent use of a registered trademark.
Suspended sentence extended
Judge Leigh set aside the six-week custodial term and instead lengthened Fincham’s existing 12-week suspended sentence by an additional three months. The original sentence had been imposed in March 2023, with an 18-month suspension period, which has now been extended.
Dangerous dog incidents
The case stemmed from multiple incidents involving Fincham’s dog, a black Cane Corso named Elvis.
The first incident occurred in September 2022 in Swanley, Kent, when the dog bit a runner, Robert Sudell, injuring his arm.
A second incident took place in June 2024 in Fincham’s hometown of Grays, Essex, when Elvis grabbed a woman’s leg. While the woman was not injured, prosecutors argued that the dog was “out of control”.
Following the June incident, Fincham voluntarily attended a police interview, where he was issued a caution and instructed to keep the dog muzzled in public.
However, in August 2024, police were called to a hotel after reports that the dog had been in a public pool area without a muzzle or lead.
More Read
Court proceedings and defence argument
During the hearing, Prosecutor Hannah Steventon detailed the August incident, explaining that police were alerted after guests at the hotel saw the dog roaming freely in the pool area.
Fincham’s defence lawyer, Richard Cooper, argued that his client had deliberately chosen the hotel because it was advertised as “dog-friendly”.
“He let the dog off the lead at the swimming pool and streamed the moment live to his social media followers, of which there are about two million,” Mr Cooper said.
Judge Leigh criticised Fincham’s actions, calling them an example of “his own stupidity”.
Legal implications and future restrictions
With the appeal verdict, Fincham has avoided immediate imprisonment but remains under legal scrutiny. The extension of his suspended sentence means that any further offences could result in an automatic custodial term.
It is unclear whether Fincham will face further restrictions regarding his dog, but he is expected to adhere strictly to the conditions set by the authorities, including ensuring the dog is muzzled in public spaces.
Public reaction and fincham’s response
Fincham, who won Love Island in 2018 alongside Dani Dyer, has not publicly commented on the ruling. However, he previously expressed determination to appeal his sentence and insisted that he is a responsible dog owner.
The case has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing concerns over responsible pet ownership, while others believe the original sentence was too harsh.
As Fincham moves forward, he will need to exercise caution to ensure compliance with legal obligations and avoid further legal troubles.
