LEWIS BRERETON AND JOSH WEIR SHOCK RHYL AND PRESTATYN WITH CRUELTY TO CAT

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the communities of Rhyl and Prestatyn, two men, Lewis Brereton and Joshua Weir, were caught on camera engaging in a cruel act involving a defenseless feline. The footage, which has since circulated widely, shows Weir deliberately throwing a helpless cat into the air and across a road, all while Brereton films the horrifying act with evident amusement.

Throughout the video, both men can be heard laughing uncontrollably and exchanging cruel remarks. Weir is heard saying, “Hope you have nine lives,” and “You have strong limbs,” as he lifts and hurls the animal. The cat, visibly disoriented and frightened, lands on her feet but quickly runs away in terror, clearly distressed by the ordeal.

The pair subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary cruelty to an animal, a serious offense under the law. Prosecutor Tudur Owen, representing the RSPCA, described the scene: “One of the men, Weir, held the cat in both hands and swung his arms before launching it into the air at approximately 45 degrees. It reached a significant height, twisting as it was thrown.”

During the court hearing, magistrate Darren Campbell expressed his outrage at the behavior, stating, “Your decision to pick up a defenseless animal and throw it in the air for your own entertainment is incredulous to us.” He emphasized that animals are capable of feeling pain and fear, and he noted that the magistrates had viewed the distressing video of the incident, which was also shared on social media platforms.

Both defendants’ legal representatives acknowledged that alcohol was involved at the time of the incident. Brereton’s lawyer explained that his client was “very drunk” but had immediately taken responsibility for his actions. He also described Brereton as being “excruciatingly upset” when viewing the footage afterward. Similarly, Weir’s solicitor mentioned that her client had recently lost his job caring for individuals with autism and was preparing to undertake a training course in London for close protection work. She stressed that the incident was completely out of character for him.

A probation officer reported that Brereton revealed he had been drinking to numb feelings related to his troubled relationship with his ill mother, and that the incident had a negative impact on Weir’s mental health. Despite these factors, the court decided not to send them to prison, citing their previous good character as a mitigating factor.

Following the case, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Phil Lewis expressed his disgust: “This is a very shocking and distressing incident where a ginger and white cat was filmed being thrown high into the air in Rhyl. It is just appalling how someone would deliberately inflict pain on this poor, defenseless cat for their own entertainment. The cat ran off after the incident, clearly traumatized.”

In sentencing, both Weir and Brereton received eight-week prison sentences, suspended for six months, along with a fine of £490 to cover costs. Additionally, they were banned from keeping animals for a period of three years, a ban that expired in October 2021.