A cat killer who slit his pet's throat after breaking her leg 'in a fit of rage' has been sentenced to prison. Adam Alkour had taken in six-year-old cat Darwin after her previous owners were no longer able to care for her.
However, in a fit of anger during a mental health crisis, he struck the animal so hard that he broke her leg. After not being able to get a vet appointment straight away, the 32-year-old feared a vet would realise he caused the injury.
Two days later, he decided to kill her and cut the animal's throat using a razor, Chronicle Live reports. After she bled to death, Alkour walked six miles to bury her - but had to return again the next day because the ground was frozen.
Prosecutor Alex Bousfield, working on behalf of the RSPCA, told Newcastle Crown Court: "This case concerns the physical abuse and improper killing of a black and white cat, Darwin. He broke her leg, cut her throat and buried her body to avoid detection."
Alkour, of Grafton House, Byker, Newcastle, had text a friend in November last year to say his cat had died, with the friend offering their sympathies. In January, he sent them another message saying he had broke the pet's leg "in a fit of rage". He explained that he was worried the vet would know what he had done if he sought medical assistance, so he killed her.
Mr Bousfield said: "He then said he had walked six miles to bury the cat then returned the next day to bury the cat again because the ground was frozen."
When confronted by the RSPCA, Alkour admitted killing Darwin but said that he "didn't butcher her" and regretted his actions. Mr Bousfield said: "He described grabbing a razor and cutting her throat. She was in a towel and he stayed with her until she bled out."
The court heard how the cat had been terrified of its owner, with a vet saying that it would have experienced extreme pain and trauma as a result of the injury. They added that length of its suffering would have depended on the depth of the wound, however as Darwin's body was never found, this could not be determined.
Alkour, who has nine previous convictions, including charges of burglary and possessing cannabis with intent to supply, pleaded guilty to three offences - causing unnecessary suffering, failing to provide veterinary care for the broken leg and failing to protect her from pain, suffering, injury or disease. He sentenced to six months in prison and banned from keeping animals for life.
Recorder Mark McKone KC told him: "All cases of cruelty to animals are serious. This is a serious case of cruelty.
"The public expect those who keep pets are kind to them, not cruel. Pets are vulnerable."
The judge continued: "The public would be outraged if a prison sentence was not imposed in these circumstances. People need to know, if they are cruel to animals in a serious way the courts will impose a prison sentence as a result."
Oliver Connor, defending, said: "He found himself in a position where the cat had been dumped on him. He didn't intend to own a cat, the previous owners became unable to look after and care for her and Mr Alkour took her in. He cared for her for around six months.
"He has true remorse. He was abusing substances, drugs, something he has abstained from for some time now."
The court heard that Alkour has an emotionally unstable personality disorder and had "freaked out" and acted "in a panicked state". He had taken Darwin to the vets in the past and a few days before killing her, had reached out to the RPSCA asking for help and saying he couldn't cope.
The court heard he had a troubled childhood, been homeless for a period of time and has been under the care of a psychiatrist and psychologist.
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