## Sunderland Man Sentenced for Fatal Attack on Family Cat
A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to three years imprisonment and given a lifetime ban from keeping animals after violently harming his grandmother’s cat, resulting in its death. Kieron Thornby, formerly of Western Hill, Sunderland, admitted guilt to causing unnecessary suffering to the ginger tabby named Teddy Bear.
The tragic incident unfolded on May 13, 2023, while Thornby was visiting his grandmother’s home in Woking. According to court proceedings at Guildford Crown Court, he was alone with Teddy Bear watching a football match when frustration led him to an act of appalling cruelty.
Witness statements revealed that Thornby became distressed during the game and, in a drunken rage, hurled the defenseless cat against a door. The injuries sustained proved fatal. A post-mortem examination detailed extensive trauma, including:
- Five fractured ribs
- Brain haemorrhage
- Haemorrhages to the lungs, neck and jaw
- Collapsed lung
Initially, Thornby attempted to deflect blame, claiming Teddy Bear’s injuries were a consequence of falling plastic boxes. He told investigators he heard “a number of loud noises” during the match and subsequently discovered the cat in pain beneath what he described as fallen containers.
“He claimed that when he tried to help the injured cat, it scratched him, causing him to drop it on the floor. Further alleging that the animal bit him while he attempted to clean blood from its face.”
However, this account was swiftly discredited by a veterinary examination which unequivocally determined the severity and nature of Teddy Bear’s injuries were incompatible with a fall involving boxes.
The examining veterinarian stated: “Rib fractures are a common indication of abuse in cats and dogs. They frequently result from force, such as striking, kicking, stomping or throwing an animal against a hard surface.”
RSPCA Inspector Jo Bowling’s investigation further undermined Thornby’s version of events. Despite his claims about a large, clear plastic box causing the damage, she located only one small crafting box – far too light to inflict such devastating injuries.
“Thornby had stated that a clear plastic box, the size of an armchair, had fallen on Teddy Bear, but the only clear plastic box I could see was approximately 2ft by 1ft by 1ft. It wasn’t heavy; I could lift one end with just one hand.”
The veterinary assessment concluded that Teddy Bear endured “a very high level of suffering” for an extended period before ultimately succumbing to his wounds.
Delivering the sentence, the judge addressed Thornby directly: “You killed a living creature and a cat that was very dear to your grandmother who could have done no harm to you. What you did was pick up that defenceless animal because in drink you were upset with the football, picked him up and threw him at a door.”
The court heard mitigating circumstances regarding Thornby’s “traumatic upbringing” and “lack of maturity” were considered during sentencing.
In addition to his prison sentence, Thornby was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.
