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Jack Fincham is ‘studying to be a dog trainer’ – weeks after avoiding jail over his cane corso’s attack on a runner

Jack Fincham is ‘studying to be a dog trainer’ – weeks after avoiding jail over his cane corso’s attack on a runner

Jack Fincham is reportedly training to be a dog trainer, weeks after avoiding jail over his pet pooch’s attack on a runner.  

Last month, the former Love Island winner, 32, beamed as he successfully overturned his six-week jail sentence after appealing against his conviction for owning a dangerously out-of-control dog.

The reality TV star was originally sentenced in January 2025 after his black Cane Corso, Elvis, injured runner Robert Sudell in Swanley, Kent, in September 2022. 

However, after narrowly dodging a stint behind bars, Jack has embarked on a new career working with dogs in a bid to ensure that the incident doesn’t occur again.

A source told The Sun: ‘Jack has signed up to a course to become a dog trainer.

‘He wants to make sure what happened to him and Elvis never happens again, but also wants to help others with their dogs.

Jack Fincham is reportedly training to be a dog trainer, weeks after avoiding jail over his pet pooch's attack on a runner [pictured with dog Elvis]

Jack Fincham is reportedly training to be a dog trainer, weeks after avoiding jail over his pet pooch’s attack on a runner [pictured with dog Elvis]

Last month, Jack, 32, beamed [pictured] as he successfully overturned his six-week jail sentence after appealing against his conviction for owning a dangerously out-of-control dog.

Last month, Jack, 32, beamed [pictured] as he successfully overturned his six-week jail sentence after appealing against his conviction for owning a dangerously out-of-control dog.

‘When qualified he wants to work with dog charities specialising in the breeds people deem to be dangerous.’

MailOnline have contacted Jack’s representatives for comment. 

Elsewhere, Jack – who was last week reunited with his beloved Elvis after eight months –  shared his devastation over a message he received from a cane corso owner in the wake of the dog attack.

He told the publication: ‘One of the worst was from a lady at the Cane Corso Club of Great Britain saying I’d let the entire breed down and I was a disgrace.

‘I was devastated, it was quite nasty saying, “You’ve cocked things up for the Cane Corso. Just what we needed”

‘I hated thinking I’d done that. So I spoke to her and explained that I was a good owner who loved Elvis.’

He noted that he soon talked her around and now regularly communicates with her, adding that the woman had even invited him to a dog show. 

Meanwhile, during an appearance on This Morning last week, he revealed he was left feeling ‘abused’ and ‘upset’ after receiving terrifying death threats over his Cane Corse dog. 

The reality TV star was originally sentenced in January 2025 after his black Cane Corso, Elvis, injured runner Robert Sudell in Swanley, Kent, in September 2022

The reality TV star was originally sentenced in January 2025 after his black Cane Corso, Elvis, injured runner Robert Sudell in Swanley, Kent, in September 2022

However, after narrowly dodging a stint behind bars, Jack has embarked on a new career working with dogs in a bid to ensure that the incident doesn't occur again

However, after narrowly dodging a stint behind bars, Jack has embarked on a new career working with dogs in a bid to ensure that the incident doesn’t occur again

Read More Jack Fincham breaks silence for the first time over his ‘dangerous dog’ article image

Jack said: ‘There were people wanting both me and him ᴅᴇᴀᴅ. I was terrified at times, it wouldn’t stop. I was told I was scum. The worst person in the world. I get really upset. There were messages every single day from faceless social media accounts.’ 

‘I have had so much abuse but what has really hurt is the abuse that my dog has got. The guilt I have felt for what has happened is horrendous. I do only have myself to blame.

‘The judge said on Friday that it’s never the fault of the dog, it’s always the owner’s fault and that is so true. Elvis was outside our home on our drive during both incidents, he was protecting his territory. 

‘It’s my fault what happened to him. I will never let that happen again.’ 

In March, Jack looked miserable as he carried an overnight bag into court while facing a prison sentence – before he emerged from the building beaming with joy and giving a thumbs up following his reprieve. 

He spoke only to confirm his name and was wearing a long brown overcoat with a light brown cardigan underneath.

Instead his 18-month suspended sentence for a drug-driving offence in March 2024 has been extended by three months.

Fincham, who had pleaded guilty to the charge, faced two separate incidents involving his dog. 

The first attack left Mr. Sudell with an injury, while a second incident in June 2024 saw a woman’s calf grabbed – though no injury was reported.

As part of his original sentence pᴀssed at the magistrates’ court, Fincham was ordered to pay £3,680, including a £2,000 contribution to kennelling costs, a fine of £961 and £200 compensation to Mr Sudell.

Richard Cooper, for Fincham, said that the dog incident in June 2024 happened when Fincham had ‘just moved to the property and was bringing boxes in from the car – while he did so the dog slipped out’.

In March, Jack looked miserable as he carried an overnight bag into court while facing a prison sentence - before he emerged from the building beaming with joy following his reprieve.

In March, Jack looked miserable as he carried an overnight bag into court while facing a prison sentence – before he emerged from the building beaming with joy following his reprieve.

Fincham, pictured arriving at Basildon Crown Court, won his appeal against a six-week jail sentence

Fincham, pictured arriving at Basildon Crown Court, won his appeal against a six-week jail sentence

Fincham is pictured (right) arriving to court with a friend and overnight bag last month

Fincham is pictured (right) arriving to court with a friend and overnight bag last month

The court had initially handed Fincham a custodial sentence, citing his failure to comply with conditions set after the first attack, including keeping Elvis on a lead and wearing a muzzle. 

However, Fincham’s legal team successfully argued that immediate imprisonment was too harsh.

Richard Cooper defending said: ‘It is a stupid thing as a result of a lack of attention to detail. He should’ve made enquiries [before taking his dog to the pub unleashed]. 

‘These are problems of his own making but there has been remarkable progress by Mr Fincham through his own volition and hard work.

‘He struck rock bottom three years ago without work, he found himself indulging in alcohol and drugs regularly.

‘His work dried up. But it is to his credit what he has done to put that right. He has engaged councillors. He has returned to a 9-5 job which doesn’t trade on anything but hard work. He has returned to boxing.’

The appeal’s success means Fincham will now avoid jail but must still comply with strict conditions regarding Elvis. These include ensuring the dog is always muzzled and leashed in public and not left alone with anyone under 16.

Samantha Leigh, said as she pᴀssed her judgement: ‘We agree that the activation of the suspended sentence was not just. We will replace that with a three months extension to your suspended sentence. It would not be appropriate to change other sentence that was imposed.’

She added: ‘Mr Fincham you need to be very careful now. It is never the fault of the dog, it is always the owners fault.’

In March, Fincham was spared jail after speeding his £50,000 car during a cocaine binge.

The former Love Island star had been facing jail time after his Cane Corso dog, Elvis (pictured), attacked a runner

The former Love Island star had been facing jail time after his Cane Corso dog, Elvis (pictured), attacked a runner

Fincham is seen leaving Basildon Crown Court after he is spared prison

Fincham is seen leaving Basildon Crown Court after he is spared prison 

When Fincham's Cane Corso attacked and bit the runner, the victim was originally willing to accept an apology and a caution

When Fincham’s Cane Corso attacked and bit the runner, the victim was originally willing to accept an apology and a caution

Are Cane Corso dogs banned in UK? 

– Cane Corso dogs are currently not banned under UK law, but are considered a ‘status dog’.

– A status dog is one which is considered aggressive or potentially dangerous and is often used a show of wealth or as intimidation.

– Whilst not illegal to own, Cane Corsos can be dangerous without proper training and handling. 

– Cane Corsos, which are typically used as guard dogs, are not recognized by the UK Kennel Club.

– The breed can grow as large as 50kg and be used to hunt and herd livestock. 

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He was behind the wheel of his BMW 520D driving down the hard shoulder of the A2 in Kent when he was stopped by police.

Fincham later admitted drug driving and driving without due care and attention.

He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and using false number plates.

Fincham, who won the ITV show’s 2018 series with Dani Dyer, told the court he was ‘driving angry’ to see a friend ‘who was in a bad way’ in August 2023.

He was given a 12-week sentence suspended for 18 months. This has now been extended for three months.

Sergeant Alex Watkins of Essex Police issued a statement following the ruling:

‘Owners must take responsibility for their dogs, and on these occasions, the dog was dangerously out of control. However, we accept the court’s decision today and hope Mr. Fincham will now take the necessary precautions.’

When Fincham’s Cane Corso attacked and bit the runner, the victim was originally willing to accept an apology and a caution.

As a result, the 32-year-old would have to engage in a course on responsible dog ownership and abide by three conditions – keep the dog on a lead, for the canine to wear a muzzle when outside and for the animal not to be left alone with under 16s.

Jack sH๏τ to fame after winning the 2018 series of Love Island alongside Dani Dyer, daughter of actor Danny Dyer

Fincham  sH๏τ to fame after winning the 2018 series of Love Island alongside Dani Dyer, daughter of actor Danny Dyer

However, there was another incident in June 2024, where Elvis grabbed the leg and ‘applied pressure’ to the calf of a woman.

The incident transpired when Fincham was three months into his suspended sentence, which he had been given for drug driving.

Fincham’s estranged father Mark Gard has also previously spent time behind bars after he was convicted for distributing cocaine around the country. 

Away from his reality TV exploits, Fincham has previously dabbled in the sport of boxing.

He previously took part on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s bout against Youtuber Deji in 2022.

Following that fight, Fincham spoke of how he went into ‘self destruct mode’ by partying for 18 months.

‘I went into complete self destruct mode. I was already battling with addiction, at the time I was going into that fight. I was battling addiction quite secretly for a few years, as well’, he told Amber O’Donnell.

‘I was out every weekend, you know, taking drugs and drinking and just doing things that have lost me jobs, lost me friends. I’d always fall back on my family. But I think even they got to a point where they were too sick of hearing it’, he added. 

In an attempt to combat these destructive habits, Fincham entered rehab after becoming addicted to cocaine and diazepam pills.

Speaking to the Sun at the time, Fincham confessed: ‘Death was on the cards for me, it was imminent.’

At the time, animal rights activists, including PETA, condemned him, but Jack remained defiant, referring to Elvis as 'my best friend in the whole world'

At the time, animal rights activists, including PETA, condemned him, but Fincham remained defiant, referring to Elvis as ‘my best friend in the whole world’ 

The ruling marks a significant win for Fincham, who has faced multiple legal battles in recent years.

Despite past controversies, Fincham has continued to defend his pet. He previously faced backlash for importing Elvis from Russia in 2021, as the dog had cropped ears – a practice illegal in the UK. 

At the time, animal rights activists, including PETA, condemned him, but Fincham remained defiant, referring to Elvis as ‘my best friend in the whole world.’

When approached by MailOnline Richard Cooper said: ‘We always considered the initial decision taken by the Magistrates to be harsh and unjust. 

‘This case has been a lesson in personal responsibility. We are very pleased that at today’s hearing the court accepted the great strides in personal development which Mr Fincham has taken. I know Mr Fincham is delighted that he can be reunited with Elvis.’

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