Jack Fincham, the former Love Island winner, has managed to successfully overturn his six-week jail sentence after appealing a conviction related to his dog, Elvis.
The reality TV star was initially sentenced in January 2025 after his black Cane Corso attacked runner Robert Sudell in Swanley, Kent, back in September 2022.
Fincham, 32, was visibly upset when he arrived at court carrying an overnight bag, facing the prospect of jail.
However, upon hearing the ruling, he left court with a smile, overjoyed at the decision.
A New Sentence but No Jail Time
Instead of serving time behind bars, Fincham’s sentence has been adjusted.
His previous 18-month suspended sentence for a drug-driving offense in March 2024 has been extended by three months.
Although Fincham pleaded guilty to the charge, his legal team successfully argued that imprisonment would be too severe, given the circumstances of the case.
Details of the Dog Incidents
The incidents involving Fincham’s dog were split into two separate occurrences.
The first attack took place in September 2022, when Elvis bit Robert Sudell, causing injury.
A second incident occurred in June 2024, when the dog grabbed a woman’s calf, though no injury was reported.
Fincham’s legal team explained that the June attack happened when he was unloading boxes at his new home and Elvis managed to escape.
Explaining the Case in Court
During the court proceedings, Richard Cooper, Fincham’s lawyer, explained that the second attack was a result of a lack of attention to detail when bringing the dog into public spaces.
Fincham admitted responsibility for the incidents, acknowledging that his actions had contributed to the situation.
However, Cooper pointed to the positive changes Fincham had made in his life, including seeking counseling and returning to a 9-to-5 job after battling addiction and hitting rock bottom.
These efforts were taken into consideration when deciding on the revised sentence.
Conditions for the Future
Despite avoiding jail time, Fincham is still required to comply with strict conditions regarding Elvis.
These include ensuring that the dog is always muzzled and on a leash in public and that it is not left alone with anyone under 16.
The court stressed that while the dog’s behavior was problematic, the responsibility ultimately falls on the owner.
The Legal and Personal Struggles Continue
In addition to his legal battles, Fincham has faced personal struggles in recent years.
In March 2025, he was spared jail after being caught speeding in his £50,000 car during a drug binge.
He admitted to drug driving, driving without insurance, and using false number plates.
Fincham explained that he had been “driving angry” to visit a friend in need during a difficult time in August 2023.
As a result, his sentence was extended by another three months.
The Ongoing Challenges of Dog Ownership and Public Scrutiny
The case involving Fincham’s Cane Corso has sparked wider discussions about responsible dog ownership.
While Cane Corsos are not banned in the UK, they are considered “status dogs” and can be dangerous without proper training.
Fincham has faced significant backlash in the past for importing Elvis from Russia in 2021, especially due to the dog’s cropped ears, a practice illegal in the UK.
Despite the controversy, Fincham has remained steadfast in defending his pet, referring to Elvis as “my best friend in the whole world.”
Turning His Life Around
Despite his past controversies, Fincham has made significant efforts to turn his life around.
He has fought against addiction, entered rehab, and even returned to boxing, attempting to regain control of his career and personal life.
His story serves as a reminder that personal growth and redemption are possible, even after facing legal and personal challenges.
Fincham’s successful appeal and the resulting adjustments to his sentence mark a pivotal moment in his ongoing journey.
While he’s not out of the woods yet, the ruling gives him the chance to continue working on himself while managing the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.