CHESTER MAN CHRISTOPHER HURST DROWNS PET CAT IN BATH IN HORRIFIC INCIDENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chester, Christopher Hurst, a resident of Wharton Court on Hoole Lane, was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after a brutal incident involving his pet cat. Born around 1977, Hurst’s actions have sparked outrage and concern among animal welfare advocates and local residents alike.

The incident unfolded at Hurst’s flat in Chester, where he reportedly drowned his own pet, an 8-year-old black long-haired cat named Charlie. According to court proceedings, Hurst held Charlie underwater in the bath for approximately 15 seconds until the animal succumbed. Witnesses and investigators noted scratch marks on Hurst’s hands, which were consistent with the cat struggling against him during the attack.

Hurst, who is employed as an aircraft fitter with Airbus, admitted to the court that he caused the cat’s death. He explained that he had been experiencing mental health issues and had been drinking daily as a form of self-medication. Despite owning Charlie since he was a kitten, Hurst claimed he had attempted to rehome the feline because the cat had been damaging neighbors’ property and disturbing the peace within the apartment block during the night.

The police were called to Hurst’s residence following reports of a disturbance. When officers arrived, Hurst stated that he had filled the bath for himself but then “lost it,” describing the incident as happening very quickly. He admitted to holding Charlie underwater until the cat drowned, an act that has been described by authorities and animal welfare groups as both cruel and inhumane.

Prosecutor Christopher Murphy highlighted the severity of the act, stating, “The vet said these were cruel and inhumane actions on a perfectly healthy cat for no reason whatsoever. The drowning would’ve resulted in severe mental trauma and psychological suffering for Charlie.”

Hurst’s criminal record includes a previous conviction for assaulting a police officer during his arrest on September 12, 2015. On that same day, he was too intoxicated to be interviewed by authorities.

Animal welfare inspector Anthony Joynes, who was involved in the case, described it as “one of the most appalling and upsetting cases” he had encountered. He expressed deep sorrow over the fate of Charlie, emphasizing that the cat was generally healthy and had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Joynes condemned the act as “utterly barbaric,” noting that the animal would have suffered immensely both physically and mentally, experiencing panic and terror during the drowning.

In sentencing, Hurst was handed an 18-week jail term and was banned from keeping any animals for the rest of his life. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Chester, raising ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the importance of mental health support for individuals in distress.