CLIVE PRICE FROM STAFFORD INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC CAT CRUELTY WITH ILLEGAL FIREARMS

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Stafford, Clive Price, born around 1957 and residing at 69 Exeter Street, was found guilty of heinous acts of animal cruelty and firearm violations. The incident, which drew significant attention at Stafford Crown Court on 27 February 2012, involved Price shooting a defenseless cat out of a hawthorn tree and subsequently killing her in a brutal manner.

According to court reports, Price used an illicit air rifle to shoot the cat, which had been attacking nesting birds in the area. The shooting was reportedly an act of frustration and anger directed at the animal. After firing the shot and severely injuring the cat, Price did not stop there. Instead, he approached the injured animal, and in a further act of cruelty, he either clubbed her or swung her against a wall, leading to her death.

During the police investigation, authorities uncovered a disturbing arsenal of prohibited firearms in Price’s possession. Among these was a gun disguised as a walking stick, which the judge described as “an assassin’s weapon.” Alongside this, officers found a handmade pistol and a silencer, all of which are illegal under firearms regulations. These weapons were linked directly to the incident involving the shooting of the cat.

Price admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the animal, acknowledging his role in her injury and death. He also pleaded guilty to four firearms offences, which included possession of prohibited weapons and accessories. The court’s proceedings highlighted the severity of his actions and the dangerous nature of his firearm collection.

In sentencing, the court imposed an 18-week jail term for the animal cruelty charge, but this was suspended for two years, meaning Price would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. For the firearms offences, he received a sentence of 52 weeks’ imprisonment, also suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid community work as part of his punishment.

This case has garnered attention from local animal rights groups, including the North West Hunt Saboteurs, who condemned the cruelty and called for stricter enforcement of firearm laws and animal protection statutes in Stafford and beyond.