Dad 'killed by dognappers who stole his pet' was raided months before

25 August 2023 , 16:42

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Dad 'killed by dognappers who stole his pet' was raided months before

A dad thought to have been killed by a group of dognappers "targeting" him for his designer Labradoodle, had his home broken months before, it's been claimed.

The body of dad-of-three Donald "Prentice" Patience, 45, was found on Tuesday morning inside his home, which showed signs of being broken into. Police discovered the suspected murderers had also snatched his beloved pet pooch, Layla.

A 39-year-old man is being questioned in connection to the incident after two other men, 27 and 41, were released on bail. It was claimed today that just a few months earlier, Mr Patience - described as an "incredible father" - had been the victim of a previous break-in.

Police say he was targeted for his Labradoodle (prentice.patience/Facebook)

During the alleged December burglary at his end-of-terrace house in Manchester's Radcliffe area, the robbers ransacked his home as they swiped a number of TVs, a child's bike, and his brother's vehicle, according to MailOnline.

Mr Patience shared the details of the harrowing ordeal in a note to his neighbours back in January. He told them: "I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year.

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"I recently returned to my house to find all my stuff had been stolen. It included several TVs, my child’s pit, bike, gaming chair, hover and my brother's car, a grey Mercedes C220 amongst other things.

"The car was used to remove items. This happened round about the start of November and the house was locked from the inside so I suspect it was a guest.

Mr Patience had been the victim of an earlier break in (William Lailey SWNS)

"I heard a girl and two males were seen removing items but could be misinformed. It would probably look like I was moving out and I was wondering if anyone saw anything?"

Local police added that "unfortunately no suspect was identified after conducting a number of enquiries."

Speaking to the MailOnline, police added: "Detectives are continuing to investigate the death of Donald Patience which includes reports made to police previously."

The body of dad-of-three Donald "Prentice" Patience, 45, was found on Tuesday morning (Greater Manchester Police)

Donald’s loved ones described him as “a much-loved son, brother and father and will be sorely missed by many, affectionately known as Prentice.” The victim’s loved ones are currently being supported by family liaison officers at this difficult time while the dog is being looked after by the relevant authority. Due to the circumstances in which the man was found, a Home Office post-mortem examination has taken place and this has concluded the death was suspicious.

Greater Manchester Police arrested three men in connection with the incident on suspicion of murder. After being questioned, two men, aged 27 and 41, have been released on bail pending further enquires, whilst a 39-year-old man remains in police custody. Officers are now appealing to the public for anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual earlier this week in and around the area.

Ryan Fahey