REECE DONOHUE FROM RETFORD SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL KILLING OF CAT MARLEY

Reece Stephen Donohue, born on March 28, 1993, and residing at 55 Wharton Street in Retford, has been convicted of a heinous act involving the death of a beloved family pet. The incident took place in his residence in Retford, where he was found responsible for the tragic killing of Marley, a two-year-old cat cherished by his owner, Amanda Attwood.

According to court reports, Donohue, who previously served as a special constable, eventually admitted to kicking Marley to death. Initially, he claimed that the cat had been attacked by another feline within the household, but evidence and subsequent investigations revealed a different, more disturbing truth. The police found Milo, another cat belonging to the household, hiding within the property, which added context to the environment in which Marley was killed.

When Amanda Attwood returned to her home in Retford, she was met with a horrifying scene. Blood was splattered across the walls and furniture, indicating a violent struggle. Her shock deepened when she discovered Marley’s lifeless body lying on the floor, showing signs of severe trauma. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Marley had been subjected to multiple brutal kicks, particularly to the head, resulting in a brain haemorrhage. The investigation also revealed that Marley had suffered a broken jaw, and had been kicked in the stomach and lungs, with hemorrhaging also affecting his kidneys and intestines.

Attwood, who had only recently moved into the property at the end of March 2018, was devastated by the incident. She described Marley as a loving cat who was always eager to seek attention from visitors. Her emotional distress was compounded by the violence inflicted upon her pet, which she described as a cruel and unnecessary act.

Reece Donohue pleaded guilty in court to causing unnecessary suffering to a cat, which resulted in Marley’s death. The court heard that the assault occurred while Donohue was under the influence of alcohol and that he attempted to conceal his actions afterward.

In sentencing, Donohue received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and was permanently banned from owning or keeping any animals. This case highlights the severity of animal cruelty and the legal consequences that follow such acts, especially when committed by individuals entrusted with public service roles like Donohue, who was a former special constable.