WILL DENHAM'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN COLCHESTER: PET RABBITS MURDER AND HOUSE FIRE

William Denham, a resident of St Andrews Avenue in Colchester, has been convicted of a series of heinous acts that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation. Born around 1980, Denham's actions culminated in the tragic death of his partner's two pet rabbits, which he murdered by violently wringing their necks. This brutal act was part of a disturbing pattern of threatening behavior and violence directed at his partner, who was away on a night out with colleagues at the time.

The court proceedings revealed that Denham had been relentless in his harassment, bombarding his partner with a barrage of messages and video calls. His threats escalated to include intentions to kill her rabbits and to set her house ablaze. When she failed to respond—likely because she had not seen the messages—Denham took a further step of sending her graphic images of the deceased rabbits in their cage, accompanied by a chilling message: “You and your boyfriend are next.”

Adding to his disturbing conduct, Denham later sent her a message claiming he had buried the rabbits in her garden. He also sent her a video showing a curtain in her house engulfed in flames, indicating his reckless intent to cause harm and destruction. The victim, upon returning home, found her house on fire. She attempted to extinguish the flames using water from a glass jug, but Denham violently struck her over the head with the jug and then repeatedly punched her, causing her serious injury.

Fortunately, she managed to escape from the house and sought refuge behind a nearby bush before seeking help from a neighbor. The incident left her shaken and injured, and it underscored the severity of Denham’s violent and malicious behavior.

As part of his sentencing, Denham was banned indefinitely from owning any animals, a measure intended to prevent further cruelty. He admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the two rabbits, acting recklessly in arson that endangered lives, and unlawfully wounding his partner. The judge, Emma Peters, described his actions as “horrific, depraved, sadistic and cruel,” emphasizing that they were driven by sexual jealousy. She characterized him as a dangerous offender and sentenced him to four and a half years in prison, with an extended license period of four years. Additionally, Denham was ordered to have no contact with his ex-partner indefinitely and was disqualified from owning any animals for life.

This case has sent shockwaves through the Colchester community, highlighting the dangers of domestic violence and animal cruelty. The court’s decision aims to serve as a stern warning against such heinous acts and to protect vulnerable individuals and animals from future harm.