Jack Fincham, former Love Island winner, has been granted conditional bail pending an appeal, just hours after being sentenced to six weeks in jail. The 32-year-old reality star had pleaded guilty to two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog, with one of the incidents resulting in injury.
His sentencing at Southend Magistrates’ Court included a £3,680 financial penalty, comprising a £2,000 contribution to kenneling costs, a £961 fine, and £200 compensation to the victim. Despite the ruling, Fincham’s legal team successfully lodged an appeal, allowing him temporary release while the case is reviewed.
His solicitor confirmed that District Judge Williams heard and approved the bail application in an open court session. Fincham reportedly gave a thumbs-up as he was led away following the initial sentencing, while a woman in the public gallery was seen crying.
The case revolves around Fincham’s Cane Corso, Elvis, who bit a runner in Swanley, Kent, in September 2022. Prosecutor Erin Peck explained that Fincham was initially set to receive only a caution and attend a responsible dog ownership course, as the victim had accepted his apology. However, authorities imposed conditions, including a requirement for the dog to be muzzled in public.
Despite this, another incident occurred in June 2023 in Grays, Essex, when the dog was again deemed out of control. This led to Fincham being formally charged. Presiding magistrate Anne Wade highlighted that at the time of the first incident in Swanley, Fincham was already under a suspended sentence for an unrelated driving offense.
This prior sentence, consisting of 12 weeks in custody suspended for 18 months, was partially activated due to the dog attack, resulting in the six-week prison term.
“The dog was in a public place, not abiding by the conditions to be muzzled and kept on a lead,” Ms. Wade stated while delivering the ruling. In addition to the prison sentence, she ordered that the dog must always be muzzled in public, kept on a lead, and never left alone with anyone under the age of 16.
Richard Cooper, representing Fincham, informed the court that his client lacked savings to cover the £3,680 penalty. In response, Ms. Wade permitted Fincham to pay in monthly installments, starting at £400.
Fincham, who won the fourth season of Love Island in 2018 alongside his then-girlfriend Dani Dyer, quickly rose to fame after the couple became fan favorites. They had been coupled from the beginning of the show and remained together throughout, securing their victory.
However, their romance was short-lived, as they announced their breakup just six months after leaving the villa in Mallorca.
This latest legal trouble adds to Fincham’s history of controversies since his reality TV days. As the appeal process unfolds, the reality star’s legal battle will continue to draw attention, with many awaiting the final outcome of his case and whether he will ultimately serve his sentence.
