ADAM ALKOUR'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN BYKER: CAT'S TRAGIC END IN NEWCASTLE

Adam Neil Alkour, born on July 18, 1990, and residing at 87 Grafton House, Heaton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1ST, was convicted in 2022 of a brutal act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community in Byker and the wider Newcastle area. The court heard how Alkour deliberately ended the life of a beloved black and white female cat named Darwin, who had been under his care after her previous owners were unable to continue looking after her.

According to court records, Darwin endured a horrifying ordeal at the hands of Alkour. The incident was triggered when Alkour, in a state described as a mental health crisis, struck Darwin so forcefully that he broke her leg. This act of violence left the cat severely injured, and Alkour, unable to secure immediate veterinary assistance, became increasingly worried that a vet would discover the true cause of her injury. Fearing the consequences, he decided to kill Darwin, which he did two days after fracturing her leg.

Prosecutor Alex Bousfield, representing the RSPCA, outlined the case to Newcastle Crown Court, stating, “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.” The court was also informed that Alkour had sent a message to a friend in November 2021, claiming that the cat had died, to which the friend responded with sympathy. Later, in January 2022, Alkour sent another message admitting that he had broken Darwin’s leg in a fit of rage and was afraid that a vet would realize what he had done if he took her for treatment.

Further details revealed that Alkour claimed to have walked six miles to bury Darwin, only to return the next day to re-bury her because the ground was frozen. When questioned by the RSPCA, Alkour admitted to killing Darwin and expressed remorse, stating he “didn’t butcher her.” He described grabbing a razor and slitting her throat while she was wrapped in a towel, staying with her until she bled out. The court heard that Darwin was terrified of Alkour, and a veterinarian confirmed that her injuries would have caused her significant pain and trauma, although the exact extent could not be determined as her body was never recovered.

Defense lawyer Jonathan Cousins highlighted Alkour’s remorse, citing the messages he sent as evidence of his regret. Alkour, who grew up in the care system and has a history of neglect, abuse, and homelessness, suffers from PTSD and other mental health issues. During the proceedings, Alkour fully admitted to his actions in January 2022, expressing deep regret “with the deepest part of my heart.”

Alkour, who has a criminal record with nine previous convictions including burglary and cannabis possession with intent to supply, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to protect her from pain, as well as neglecting veterinary care. The court sentenced him to six months in prison and imposed a lifelong ban on keeping animals, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the community’s outrage over the cruelty inflicted upon Darwin in Byker and Newcastle.