James Shilton granted bail after alleged stabbing in Empire Bay over dog dispute
A quiet Central Coast suburb has been rocked by news of an alleged stabbing on Monday. It all started with a dog called Bruce, as vigilante-style footage has emerged of a local self-described “cult” visiting the alleged offender at his home in Empire Bay concerned about the dog’s welfare.
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Shocking video taken in the days leading up to an alleged stabbing in a Central Coast backyard, shows a self-described fitness “cult” attending the accused’s home to confront his partner over alleged animal abuse.
Empire Bay’s James Leonaro Shilton appeared in Gosford Court on Tuesday, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The 32-year-old was granted bail after his solicitor argued he had acted in self defence against an intruder who was trying to take his partner’s dog.
On Saturday a number of videos were posted on social media, including one that appeared to show Mr Shilton’s partner Katrina Lyford kicking the dog, named Bruce, in the head as it was trying to jump from a car.
This video led to a confrontation filmed by the ‘Pale Horse Powerlifting’ Instagram page – which it’s operator describes as a “cult” – with leather-clad members of the group approaching Mr Shilton and his partner.
“This is not piss weak virtue signalling, this is me saying that we as a #cult want to help animals that are being abused,” the post read.
“If you know of anything going on in our area and the organisations that are meant to help aren’t helping, contact me and we will do what we can.”
This confrontation appears to have led to another person attempting to come back to the Kendall Rd premises on Monday night and take the dog.
It is not known whether the victim is a member of Pale Horse Powerlifting, and he has not been charged.
Police allege that between 6pm-8pm, a 49-year-old identified as Vincent Natoli went to Shilton’s home to talk about his dog.
There was a verbal fight and Mr Shilton allegedly threatened Mr Natoli while swinging a knife around.
During his bail application, Mr Shilton’s Legal Aid solicitor said his client acted in self-defence.
“He was at home in his own premises when someone unbeknown to him approached him and made continued requests for property … his partner’s dog,” he said.
“He told police he acted in self-defence. He was in his own home and someone refused to leave.”
He said Mr Shilton was young, owned his home at Empire Bay and had a limited criminal record.
The prosecution asked for bail to be refused, saying there were safety concerns for the victim.
Magistrate Alan Railton said the facts of the matter were unusual, saying the man came to Mr Shilton’s home and refused to leave.
“He (Mr Shilton) didn’t go searching this out,” he said. “This is an extremely unique situation.”
Outside court Mr Shilton told media he was the victim, with the man “barging into my house”.
Mr Shilton has been ordered to live with his father under strict conditions and not go near Mr Natoli.
He will appear again at Gosford Local Court on August 21 2020.
The dog in question has been seized by the RSPCA.