Steven John Leffanue, 57, pleads guilty to five charges including ill treatment of an animal causing death

A grieving family has confronted a man accused of causing their dog to die after taking the pooch from their home. They had a strong message for him.

A grieving grandmother says she hopes a dognapper who let the family’s beloved pooch die ‘rots in hell’.

Steven John Leffanue, 57, faced Victor Harbor Magistrate Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty on five charges including ill treatment of an animal causing death or serious harm and being unlawfully on premises.

The dog was named Pup but it is not known how the animal died.

Pup’s owner Aime Sherwin, her mother Michelle Sherwin and other loved ones attended court.

“I hope he rots in hell,” Michelle said, holding back tears.

Steven John Leffanue leaving Victor Harbour Magistrate Court. Picture Emily Jarvis

“You don’t hurt our fur babies like that - it’s just not right.”

It is alleged Mr Leffanue entered Aime Sherwin’s Hayborough property in late November of 2021.

He is believed to have taken Pup and kept her for up to a week.

The animal died in his care.

Outside of court, Aimee said her family did not know Mr Leffanue.

“I have faith that when he comes back to court, he gets what he deserves,” she said.

“He’s not someone I know and he’s certainly not someone I want to know.

“He doesn’t belong in society, he doesn’t belong in this community.”

Lawyer David Mullen, defence counsel for Mr Leffanue, asked for an adjournment for his client to see a psychologist.

Magistrate Teresa Anderson recorded the guilty pleas and adjourned the matter until May.