Serial cat killer case: Man charged over 16 attacks

A MAN will appear in court charged with attacking 16 cats, prosecutors revealed yesterday.

Steven Bouquet, 52, faces 16 counts of criminal damage.

Only seven of the cats survived but they were seriously injured. He is also accused of possessing a knife.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred between October 2 last year and June 1 this year in the Brighton area.The decision to charge the security guard from Brighton came following an extensive investigation by police.

Sally Lakin, crown prosecutor for the South East, said: “This decision was made after a careful review of all the evidence presented to us.”

A CPS spokeswoman added: “We carefully considered which charges would be the most appropriate and concluded the defendant should be charged with criminal damage.

“This does not in any way detract from the seriousness of the offence or the great distress these incidents will have caused the owners.

“However, under current legislation cats and other animals are deemed as property.

“Prosecutors did consider a charge of animal cruelty, but the circumstances meant this was inappropriate as the defendant is not the owner of the cats.”

Defendants charged with animal cruelty can only be dealt with at a magistrates court. Suspects accused of criminal damage can be tried before magistrates or crown court.

Bouquet is due before Brighton magistrates court on January 23.