The former high-flying executive and convicted arsonist appeared before Magistrate William Gibb in the Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday having previously pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, two counts of trespass and animal cruelty.

He appeared calm via vide-link from the Margoneet Correctional Centre in Lara, were he is serving a four-year prison sentence for lighting a series of fires south-east of Bendigo in August last year.

The court heard Rochford, formerly of Nankervis Road, Mandurang, was responsible for the theft of two Irish wolfhounds, Bridghid and Jimeoin, from a Buninyong property in November 2007.

Rochford stole the dogs from Andrea Chandler’s property following a dispute over Jimeoin’s ownership after the pair had formed a dog-breeding partnership, the court heard.

Bridghid was later found dead and partly decomposed in bush at Lake Eppalock.

Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Len Ladner said Rochford had tied a hay band around the neck of the pet and left it hanging from a tree. It had been strangled under its own weight.

Defence Lawyer Shane Gardiner told the court Rochford’s fall from grace began when he quit his managerial position at the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.

He said Rochford became heavily dependant on prescribed medication and that greatly contributed to his downfall.

He also said Rochford had struggled in prison, having been “physically roughed up” and that his health had deteriorated.

Mr Gibb said it was alarming that someone who was 47 years of age at the time of offending, had once been held in such high regard and was educated to the extent he held a masters degree in business could commit such serious offences.

“Every one of the matters before the courts today carry significant jail terms,” he said.

Mr Gibb took into account Rochford’s guilty plea, his psychological report and his clean record prior to the charges.

He convicted and sentenced him to a further six months’ imprisonment on top of his current jail sentence.

Rochford will be eligible for parole in early 2011.

RSPCA Victoria manager of inspectorate services Greg Boland said the RSPCA was disappointed with the sentencing.

“The maximum penalties for aggravated animal cruelty in Victoria are 24 months’ imprisonment, in excess of $25,000 in fines and a 10-year banning order,” he said. “The RSPCA does not believe the sentence Rochford received . . . reflects the sentiments of the community on animal cruelty.”