Jack Fincham, the 32-year-old reality TV star and winner of Love Island 2018, found himself embroiled in legal trouble after his Cane Corso dog, Elvis, attacked two individuals. The first incident occurred in September 2022, when Elvis bit a runner in Swanley, Kent. Following this attack, Fincham was ordered to keep Elvis on a lead, muzzle him in public, and not leave him unsupervised with anyone under 16. However, these stipulations were not adhered to, leading to a second incident in June 2024, where Elvis bit a woman’s leg in Grays, Essex. This second attack brought Fincham back to court, where he pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog.
The court proceedings took a serious turn for Fincham as the magistrate, Anne Wade, highlighted a previous suspended sentence he had received for speeding on the hard shoulder while under the influence of cocaine. Due to the violation of this suspended sentence, Fincham was sentenced to six weeks in jail and ordered to pay £3,680 in fines and compensation to the victims. The breakdown of the compensation included £200 for the runner attacked in 2022 and £50 for the woman attacked in 2024. A payment plan of £400 per month was established to be implemented upon his release. While the court determined that Elvis could be returned to Fincham upon his release if the previously mandated conditions were met, the immediate consequence for Fincham was incarceration.
Following the sentencing, Fincham was released on bail pending an appeal of his six-week jail term. His lawyer expressed disappointment with the magistrate’s decision to activate the suspended sentence but maintained optimism that the Crown Court would overturn the ruling on appeal. Upon his release on bail, Fincham was seen with his girlfriend, Chloe Brockett, a star of the reality show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). The couple were observed going to a local supermarket, and Fincham was seen kissing Brockett, who had been visibly upset during the court proceedings. This public display of affection came shortly after Brockett had been in tears as Fincham was taken into custody.
The incident with Elvis is not the first time Fincham’s dog ownership has drawn public scrutiny. He had previously faced criticism for cropping Elvis’s ears, a practice illegal in the UK. Fincham explained that he acquired Elvis from Russia through Protection Dogs WorldWide. The Cane Corso also shares Fincham’s home with Sandy, a bulldog he purchased while in a relationship with his former Love Island partner and co-winner, Dani Dyer. The relationship with Dyer, which blossomed during their shared victory on Love Island in 2018, ended just 129 days later amidst a series of disagreements.
Fincham’s post-Love Island life has been marked by several legal challenges. His 2023 conviction for speeding under the influence of cocaine served as a turning point, prompting him to seek help through Narcotics Anonymous. He admitted to a lack of self-respect and a disregard for the potential harm his actions could cause to himself and others, acknowledging the need to take responsibility. The dog attack incidents and the subsequent legal proceedings further underscore the challenges Fincham has faced since his rise to fame.
The case highlights the serious consequences of not adhering to court-ordered conditions regarding dog ownership, especially in cases involving aggressive breeds. Fincham’s situation also demonstrates the complexities of navigating public life after reality TV fame, particularly when personal struggles and legal issues become intertwined. While his appeal is pending, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the importance of complying with legal stipulations. Fincham’s future, both personally and legally, remains uncertain as he awaits the outcome of his appeal and continues to address the personal challenges he has openly discussed.
