ADAM ROUTLEDGE'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN RUNCORN AND SALFORD

In a disturbing incident that shocked the local community, Adam Routledge, a resident of Runcorn with links to Salford, was convicted of heinous animal cruelty in 2021. The case centered around a six-week-old kitten that Routledge callously threw against a wall in a fit of temper, causing severe suffering to the defenseless creature.

According to court records, Routledge, born in 1984 and residing on Stenhills Crescent in Runcorn (postcode WA7 5EE), was sentenced in his absence to serve 18 weeks in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, alongside a separate charge of drink-driving while disqualified from driving.

The prosecution, led by Alison Warburton, detailed the events that led to Routledge’s conviction. Police were summoned to a residence on Stenhills Crescent following reports of a man who had allegedly thrown a kitten around the house and ultimately killed it. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a young child who was cradling the injured kitten and reported that Routledge had entered her bedroom and violently thrown the animal against the wall.

The kitten was found to be in significant pain, with its injuries indicating that a considerable amount of force had been used. Witnesses described the animal’s distress, and the child’s account confirmed the severity of the incident. Routledge was present at the scene and attempted to justify his actions by claiming frustration over fleas that had bitten him, which he said contributed to his outburst.

Following the incident, Routledge’s partner, Paula Doolan, took the injured kitten to a local veterinary clinic. The animal received treatment with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, and was kept under observation to monitor its condition. Despite the injuries, the kitten survived, but the extent of its suffering was evident.

During police interviews, Routledge admitted to drinking alcohol and engaging in an argument with his partner. He confessed, “I had a few drinks and had an argument with my partner. My temper got the better of me and I picked up the kitten and threw it. I’m disgusted with myself.” His admission highlighted the reckless and violent nature of his actions.

Further investigations revealed that Routledge had a history of criminal behavior, including six previous convictions for eight offenses, notably including drink-driving and assault. Despite his criminal record, Routledge failed to attend court hearings, and no mitigation was offered on his behalf. His legal representatives requested an adjournment, citing self-isolation, but magistrates dismissed these claims, citing his history of avoiding court dates under similar pretenses, such as claiming COVID-19 symptoms or hospitalizations for tuberculosis.

On October 16, 2020, Routledge was observed driving away from his residence. Police followed him and noted the smell of alcohol on his breath. A breathalyzer test registered 62 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, well above the legal limit of 35. He was subsequently arrested by Cheshire police, who reported that Routledge had been drinking until 4 a.m. the previous night and believed he was still fit to drive, despite being disqualified.

Routledge’s driving license disqualification was confirmed to be still in effect. His repeated failure to appear in court and his evasive explanations led to further scrutiny. The magistrates expressed skepticism about his claims of self-isolation, especially given his history of missing court dates for reasons such as COVID-19 symptoms and hospital stays for tuberculosis.

Sentencing in this case was severe. Routledge received a 12-week prison sentence for his deliberate and gratuitous cruelty to the animal, with an additional six weeks to be served consecutively for the drink-driving offense while disqualified. He was ordered to pay £278 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge. Additionally, he was banned from driving for 20 months and prohibited from keeping animals for a period of 10 years.

Further developments occurred when Routledge’s case was reopened after he appeared via videolink on December 21, 2020. He was bailed to return to court on January 13, 2021, for further proceedings related to both the animal cruelty and driving charges, with a pre-sentence report ordered. His bail condition required him to reside at his home address.

On January 16, 2021, Routledge was resentenced to 14 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity. The court also disqualified him from keeping animals for five years. Despite these measures, his criminal behavior extended beyond animal cruelty, as he was later sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for fraud involving elderly customers and unnecessary building work, as reported by the Northwich Guardian and Liverpool Echo.

This case underscores the serious consequences of animal cruelty and reckless behavior, highlighting the importance of accountability and justice for vulnerable victims, both human and animal.