ROBERT WHITE'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN ERDINGTON: KITTEN BURNED AND POISONED WITH CANNABIS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Erdington, Birmingham, Robert White, born on May 3, 1982, of Rogerfield Road, was convicted of heinous animal cruelty involving a defenseless kitten. The incident, which took place in Erdington, saw White attempting to intoxicate the young feline with cannabis before inflicting severe burns that ultimately led to the animal's death.

According to the prosecution, Rafe Turner, the kitten was brought to a veterinary clinic by White’s partner the day after the attack. The animal was found in a critically weakened state, exhibiting signs of neglect and suffering. The veterinarian described the kitten as being in a collapsed and cold condition, with a strong smell of dirty water. Notably, dried candle wax was discovered on the animal’s nose and head, and burns consistent with third-degree full-thickness injuries covered approximately 70 to 80 percent of its head. Blisters were also observed on the kitten’s paws, indicating the severity of the burns.

Tragically, these injuries proved fatal, and the veterinarian confirmed that the kitten, later identified as Salem, was euthanized a few days after the injuries were discovered. The case drew further attention when White’s partner’s sister questioned him about the incident. White admitted that he had been attempting to get the kitten “stoned” and to give it “blow backs,” a term often associated with inhaling smoke or vapors.

During police interviews, White confessed to sharing responsibility for Salem’s condition with his partner. He stated that he had been smoking cannabis with friends at the time and that the kitten had been “singed a couple of times.” White claimed that one of his friends had actually caused the burns, having “messed about” with the cat, which reacted by running away. White expressed remorse, saying he felt “bad” about what had happened.

Defense lawyer Daniel Wayne highlighted White’s struggles with addiction and mental health issues, noting that he was addicted to amphetamines and suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Wayne emphasized that White had no prior criminal record and was not a repeat offender, suggesting that these factors should be taken into account during sentencing.

Despite initial considerations of an immediate prison sentence, the magistrates decided to impose a more lenient punishment, taking into account the mitigating circumstances. White was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay a total of £465 in costs and charges. Additionally, he was banned indefinitely from owning or caring for any animals.

Following the hearing, RSPCA inspector Beth Boyd described the case as one of the most horrific she had investigated. She expressed her distress over Salem’s suffering and praised the justice served, stating, “It was just horrific. It is one of the worst cases I have had to investigate. I cannot even think about what Salem must have gone through that night. At least some justice has been done for him.”