SHOCK CRUELTY CASE: KITTEN ABUSED TO DEATH IN GRIMSBY
During the hearing, the court was informed that Hawksworth, associated with Worksop in Nottinghamshire, and Wilcock, connected to Barnsley, both denied intentionally causing unnecessary harm to a protected animal.However, they were found guilty following a trial.
The victim was a six-month-old kitten named Stirling, who died after sustaining multiple injuries from at least three separate acts of physical abuse.
The RSPCA explained that Wilcock initially contacted a veterinarian for advice, and when the kitten was brought in for urgent examination, it was found already deceased, with a significant amount of blood around the mouth and rib injuries.
Concerns arose after records revealed the cat had been previously treated in November 2023 for injuries attributed to a fall; this case was subsequently referred to the RSPCA.
An autopsy revealed repeated trauma, including multiple fractures occurring over different periods, along with signs of suffocation attempts.
Both Wilcock, with ties to Barnsley, and Hawksworth, linked to Worksop, denied causing unnecessary suffering but were convicted after the trial.
In mitigation, the court was told that Wilcock experienced "health issues and was immature." Following the verdict, RSPCA Chief Inspector Tom Hutton stated: “The actions in this case were of astonishing cruelty to a defenceless animal.
It is heartbreaking as Stirling was so young when he died and he had to endure such unnecessary pain and suffering during this short life.”
