GREENOCK MEN GORDON DEVENISH AND JOHN CATHCART KICK HEDGEHOG TO DEATH DURING STAG WEEKEND

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Greenock, two men, Gordon Devenish and John 'Johnny' Cathcart, were found guilty of committing a heinous act of animal cruelty. The incident took place during a stag weekend, where the pair engaged in a cruel act involving a defenseless hedgehog.

Gordon Devenish, born around 1966 and residing on West Blackhall Street, Greenock, along with John Cathcart, born approximately in 1969 and living on Golf Course Road, Skelmorlie, were caught on camera using the small creature as a makeshift football. The court heard that both men admitted to kicking the hedgehog back and forth until it succumbed to its injuries. The incident was witnessed by police officers who were patrolling the area, and their observations confirmed the cruelty inflicted upon the animal.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Robert McCreadie condemned the actions of the two men, describing their behavior as an 'offensive act of wanton cruelty.' The sheriff expressed his disappointment, stating, 'You should both be ashamed of yourselves. You are being publicly shamed in the dock today.' He also noted that Devenish and Cathcart had made efforts to atone for their actions by paying a sum of money to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), possibly in an attempt to ease their conscience.

According to the prosecution, Fiscal depute Stuart Richardson, police officers in the area observed Devenish kicking the hedgehog across the road, with Cathcart following and kicking it after him. When approached by the officers, both men were found to be actively involved in the act, which resulted in the animal's death. Devenish claimed that he had seen an object lying in the street and decided to use it as a football, only to realize it was a hedgehog but continued to kick it several feet into the air.

Defense solicitor Mark Alder highlighted that both men had been under the influence of alcohol at the time, explaining that they were out celebrating a friend's stag party. He emphasized that both individuals now accepted responsibility for their actions. In a letter of remorse submitted to the court, Cathcart expressed deep regret, stating, 'I deeply regret what I have done. As an animal lover I feel great remorse.' He acknowledged his intoxication during the incident but insisted that it was no excuse for such a barbaric act.

As a result of their convictions, Devenish was fined £400, while Cathcart received a fine of £360. The case has sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty, even among adults during moments of reckless behavior.