Man convicted after dangling terrified cat from window by the neck and threatening to stab him
A Colchester man was convicted of animal cruelty after dangling a terrified cat from a window by the neck and threatening to stab the animal during a wider campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour towards a woman.
Brook Lucas O’Sullivan, from Berechurch, Colchester, was found guilty following a three-day trial in 2026.
Jurors heard that O’Sullivan used the unnamed cat as a means of causing distress to the woman, with the animal becoming caught up in his abusive behaviour towards her.
During one incident, O’Sullivan held the cat out of a window by his neck. Prosecutors described his actions as “callous” and said they were intended to cause the woman maximum distress.
The court also heard that this was not the first threat made towards the animal. O’Sullivan had previously threatened to stab the cat during arguments.
The animal cruelty formed part of a wider pattern of behaviour heard about during the trial, which included stalking, repeatedly making unwanted contact with the woman, turning up at her home and taking her mobile phone.
O’Sullivan was convicted of animal cruelty, coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking and theft.
The theft offence related to around £7,000 worth of belongings, including a Rolex watch, taken from a woman who had allowed O’Sullivan to stay in her home while he was homeless.
O’Sullivan had also faced an allegation of sexual assault but was cleared of that charge.
Sentencing
O’Sullivan was ordered to pay a £1,000 fine, together with £500 compensation and £500 court costs.
He was also banned from keeping animals for five years, with the disqualification due to expire in May 2031.
???? Clare’s Law: The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme allows someone to ask police whether a current or former partner has a recorded history that could indicate they pose a risk of domestic abuse.