CONVICTED (2023) | Jamil James Khan, born 1 September 1993, of 9 Mason Street, Colne BB8 9BU – subjected two kittens to multiple attacks, causing one to suffer fatal injuries.

Khan, who has links to Norwich and Bacup, Lancashire, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the kittens called Obi and Amidala, between April 1 and July 4, 2022.

The court heard how Khan took Obi to Stanley House vets where he claimed the kitten had been injured by a dog.

An examination revealed Obi had suffered fractures to his jaw and skull.

Two days later, on July 3, Khan phoned the vets again and said Obi was shallow breathing but still alive. He attended the vets within a few minutes by which time Obi had died, This time he said the kitten had been involved in a road traffic accident

The vet challenged Khan since the kitten’s injuries were not consistent with this account. Khan replied three times “I just can’t tell you’”.

The matter was referred to the police, who arrested and interviewed Khan that same day. He refused to answer any questions and responded with “no comment”.

A search of Khan’s property found another kitten, Amidala, who was handed over to the RSPCA.

She was taken to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where it was found she had at least one fractured rib.

A post-mortem examination on Obi at the University of Liverpool found multiple fractures across his body and blood in his stomach, which shows he was alive when being subjected to the physical violence.

Joanne Daniels, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said both animals had been subjected to blunt force trauma on multiple occasions, while Obi suffered from high energy blunt force trauma and was alive at the time.

Mitigating, Rhianydd Clement said Khan had spoken about being stressed at the time of the abuse. She said that he panicked when speaking to the vet and realised the gravity of the situation he was in, which is why he did not tell the truth.

She added Khan had taken full responsibility for his offending and he is extremely remorseful.

Khan had been studying a psychology degree at Burnley College but has abandoned his course after one year due to the prosecution case.

Sentencing, Recorder David Temkin said: “Over the course of three months you mistreated both of those cats.

“The vet pressed you on how Obi died and the police were called. You were arrested on July 3 and interviewed but provided no comment and the police searched your house.

“They found a second kitten and it was medically examined and found to have at least one rib fracture.

“Those kittens were subjected to blunt force trauma and on both occasions suffered pain from your abuse. You failed to meet their needs.

“Your behaviour was clearly violent and must have been regular. You continued until one lost its life.”

Sentencing | 18 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months; 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days; £300 fine to be paid at £30 for week. Disqualified from keeping, owning or caring for animals for 10 years.

Lancashire Telegraph