MAN ATTACKS GIRLFRIEND AND KILLS THEIR CAT
A holidaymaker at Butlins who assaulted his girlfriend and subsequently killed his cat with a hammer has avoided prison and been granted permission to keep animals, claiming the killing was an act of 'mercy'.Liam White, aged 34, was responsible for killing the feline at his shared residence with his partner, after which he discarded the cat’s body in a rubbish bag alongside its litter tray.
The body showed signs of severe injuries, including a broken jaw and hip, found during a post-mortem.
White’s violent relationship with his girlfriend involved two assaults within a month, during which he was accused of throwing the cat at a wall.
He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, asserting he found the cat severely injured and chose to end its life with a hammer, believing this method was quicker and more humane than veterinary care.
The incidents took place during an on-and-off relationship in June and July of last year, which included an altercation at Butlins in Minehead, where White headbutted his partner and threw an Xbox controller at her during their holiday.
Clashes also occurred in their Crediton home, involving alcohol and aggressive behavior.
White, who has lived previously on Tarka Way, Crediton, and currently resides on Barrows Gate, Newark, admitted to charges of battery, assault causing actual bodily harm, and animal cruelty when appearing in Exeter Crown Court.
Judge Anna Richardson handed down a 20-week custodial sentence suspended for two years, required him to participate in a Building Better Relationships course, and imposed a 120-day alcohol monitoring tag.
She chose not to ban him from owning animals but issued a five-year restraining order preventing any contact with his former partner.
The judge highlighted that White’s decision to kill the injured cat, instead of seeking veterinary assistance, was well-intentioned but poorly executed care.
She acknowledged his remorse and the lack of prior domestic violence convictions.
Prosecutor Miss Victoria Bastock detailed the volatile nature of White’s relationship, which rekindled briefly during the June trip, despite earlier issues.
During this holiday, a neighbor recorded White headbutting his girlfriend, who then slapped him.
A subsequent incident occurred at their Crediton home when White, intoxicated and playing an online Xbox game, called his partner derogatory names and violently threw the controller, causing minor injuries.
The killing of the cat between July 8 and 11 was confirmed by its discovery in a litter tray.
White’s lawyer, Miss Kelly Scrivener, emphasised his lack of previous domestic violence charges and his remorse, stating he wanted to alleviate the animal’s suffering but did so cruelly, lacking proper veterinary care.
Overall, White received a suspended sentence, community courses, and restrictions, reflecting the court’s consideration of his actions and background.
