Puppy thief who warned ‘stop me and I’ll do you’ avoids jail five years on
Daylight Puppy Snatch Shocks Orpington
Francis Zeta, 38, of Hackney, threatened a dog owner with the chilling words “stop me and I’ll do you” before snatching a weeks-old British bulldog puppy, Spot, in broad daylight back in March 2020.
The victim was walking Spot in Orpington when he noticed two suspicious men watching from a white Mercedes—later linked to Zeta. After spotting the car again on Wesley Road, one man pulled what looked like a knife from the boot. Terrified, the owner ran but was chased down by Zeta, who forced the puppy from his arms and sped off.
“Stop me and I’ll do you,” Zeta growled during the robbery, leaving the owner fearing for his life.
Stolen Pup Found But Shaken
Spot was found the next day wandering the streets of Harlow, Essex, with minor injuries but clearly traumatised. The puppy was returned home, but both Spot and his family were left emotionally scarred.
“I still get nightmares about what happened,” the victim revealed. “Spot doesn’t like people with face coverings or black bin bags anymore. He’s never been the same.”
Arrested But Denied Crime for Years
Zeta was arrested just two days after the attack, but the case dragged on for five years. He repeatedly missed court, blamed a lookalike for using his car, and denied the charges—until April 7, 2025, when he finally pleaded guilty on the trial’s first day.
He admitted threatening violence but denied carrying a knife, a claim prosecutors accepted.
Judge Suspends Sentence Over Health Concerns
Despite the shocking crime, Croydon Crown Court judge Antony Dunne handed Zeta a suspended sentence due to his worsening health from advanced sickle cell disease.
“Your illness means imprisonment would be significantly harder for you than for a healthy person,” said Judge Dunne. “You now walk with a frame and I do not believe you pose a risk of further offences of this kind.”
Zeta will remain under strict conditions in the community, while the second man involved remains unidentified.
If you have information about unsolved crimes, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
