CONVICTED (2024) | Denholm Bass, born c. 2004, of 26 Church Lane, Northaw, Potters Bar EN6 4NX but with links to Barnet and Enfield – killed a cat after subjecting her to multiple attacks.
Bass was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a cat named Marley in that he inflicted blunt force trauma and physical violence resulting in non-accidental injuries. The multiple attacks took place between June 1, 2022 and June 29, 2022 at Elstree Way in Borehamwood. The three-year-old grey and white short-haired cat’s injuries including 15 fractured ribs and a broken law.
Unbelievably, Bass, who lives with his parents and two brothers, was found not guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a second cat called Nala, by the infliction of blunt force trauma and physical violence resulting in non-accidental injuries. Nala’s injuries included an old fracture to her rib and bleeding within and around her eyes.
Marley, was presented to a vet on five occasions over a three-and-a-half week period in June 2022. , On his final visit, he was placed in an oxygen tent and given pain relief injections, but his breathing continued to deteriorate. Tragically vets had no choice but to put him to sleep to prevent further suffering.
An expert vet who examined the evidence said the severity of the 15 rib fractures were consistent with being stamped on. It was clear that Marley had been injured repeatedly and had been caused to suffer.
“The evidence is indicative of physical abuse and in my opinion Marley was caused to suffer as a consequence of physical abuse,” read his report.
“Suffering would have been experienced on a number of occasions via the mechanisms of fear, distress and pain for a period of at least 10 days, when having sustained bone fractures and at least three days when having sustained soft tissue trauma.”
Speaking after the case, RSPCA Inspector Nicole Broster said: “Poor Marley had suffered repeated instances of violent assaults and would have suffered immensely as a result of his injuries. This case highlights why it is never acceptable to physically abuse an animal.”
Nala was signed over to the care of the RSPCA and has been rehomed.
The court heard in mitigation that Bass had been diagnosed with PTSD and had been “going through a difficult time” during the offending period,
Sentencing | 14-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months; 100 hours of unpaid work; costs of £1,500 and a victim surcharge of £154. Lifetime ban.