RICHARD COLLIER OF WOODLEY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN STOCKPORT

Richard Collier, a resident of Meadow Close in Woodley, Stockport SK6 1QZ, was convicted in 2024 for a disturbing act of animal cruelty that resulted in the death of his family’s pet cat, Bella. The incident, which shocked the local community and garnered widespread attention on social media, involved Collier violently throwing the cat into the air and onto the floor, leading to fatal injuries.

According to reports, the incident occurred after Bella, the family cat, hissed at Collier. In his account, Collier claimed that he was in the living room with his partner and children when Bella was resting on the back of the sofa near his partner. He stated that, in a moment of frustration, he grabbed the cat and threw her into the air, believing she would be startled but not harmed. Collier explained that he then saw Bella land on the floor and, shortly after, she had a seizure and died in his arms.

Collier admitted that he was very upset and sorry about the incident, asserting that he did not intend to hurt Bella. He disclosed that he has been diagnosed with 'intermittent explosive disorder,' which he claimed contributed to his loss of temper during the event. His actions, however, drew sharp criticism from the community and animal welfare advocates.

Local residents in Woodley expressed their outrage on social media, condemning Collier’s behavior as 'disgusting.' A statement from Collier’s former partner described his conduct as unacceptable and deeply troubling. During the court proceedings, prosecutor Ewan Cooper emphasized the abnormality of Collier’s actions, stating, “It’s not normal to behave in this way, it is not normal for kids to see that and they’ll be affected by it. It’s not normal to go from sitting as a family to killing an innocent cat by smacking it against the floor.”

In his defense, Collier’s solicitor, Saul Komish, argued that Collier 'lost his temper' and that his actions were a momentary lapse in judgment. He highlighted that Collier had been close to Bella, the family’s pet for six years, and expressed that Collier was remorseful. Komish also noted that Collier had no intention of injuring the cat and that the consequences of his actions were 'clearly foreseeable.' Since the incident, Collier has had no contact with his partner or children.

Judge handed down a sentence of 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, Collier was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation. Court costs amounted to £239. The court did not specify any ban related to animal ownership or further restrictions. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Woodley and highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and mental health issues.