CALLUM VOLTER OF WIDNES JAILED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE AND ASSAULT IN ROSSENDALE

Callum Volter, born around 2000 and residing at Milton Avenue, Widnes WA8 7BQ, was convicted in 2022 for throwing his partner's cat at a moving car during an argument.

Volter pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, along with charges of assault against his partner and her teenage son, and criminal damage to a television.

Prosecutor Tess Kenyon explained that Volter’s partner, Stevie Delaney, had picked him up from Haslingden, and they were en route to their home in Crawshawbooth, Rossendale. During the journey, Volter stated he wanted to exit the vehicle to clear his head. After arriving home, approximately five minutes later, he returned.

Miss Kenyon stated, “There was an incident, during which she was grabbed and pushed, which led to him leaving the house while he was holding the family’s pet cat.”

She continued, “Miss Delaney followed and approached him, and he shouted ‘Watch this’ before throwing the cat at a moving car.”

According to Miss Kenyon, the cat hit the vehicle and ricocheted into the road. “Miss Delaney’s immediate thought was that he had killed it,” she added.

Her son Cody confronted Volter, which resulted in him attacking the teenager. CCTV footage showed Volter forcing Cody to the ground and repeatedly punching him.

In a victim impact statement, Miss Delaney described the defendant’s conduct as frightening, saying, “He is nothing more than a bully.”

Defense lawyer Daniel Frazer argued that Volter’s initial decision to leave the house was appropriate. He remarked, “What he can’t explain is why he picked up the cat and then threw it into oncoming traffic.”

Frazer also attempted to justify Volter’s actions against Cody, suggesting he was acting in self-defense. “He accepts that when he got him on the floor, he should have stopped but he didn’t and he went too far,” he stated.

The fate of the unnamed cat affected by the incident was not disclosed.

On sentencing, Volter received an 18-month community order, including a 30-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to Miss Delaney and £100 to her son, along with a £95 victim surcharge and £85 in costs. Additionally, he was banned from owning any animals for five years.