ALLAN STAUGHTON FROM LITTLEPORT SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY INVOLVING CAT IN GODMANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Allan Staughton, a resident of Littleport, was convicted of animal cruelty after a heinous act involving his girlfriend’s pet cat, Princess. The incident took place in his former residence on Roman Gate, Godmanchester, and has garnered significant attention from both the public and authorities.

On June 14, 2012, Staughton was recorded on video placing Princess, a tabby cat, inside a tumble dryer. The footage, which he uploaded to YouTube and shared on an online forum titled “You must see this – it will crack you up,” shows him repeatedly turning the machine on with the cat spinning inside. The video depicts the cat being put into the machine as Staughton casually remarks that she was going for “a tumble.”

The machine was activated three times, with the cat spinning inside for approximately 12 seconds during each cycle before Staughton opened the door. The footage reveals Princess lying on her back at the bottom of the drum, visibly distressed. After the initial spin, Staughton spun the machine twice more, further traumatizing the animal.

The incident was brought to the attention of the RSPCA after it was reported by a concerned member of the public through the local newspaper, The Hunts Post. The organization tracked down Staughton outside a pub in Godmanchester on July 4, 2012, following the report.

During police interviews, Robert Starr, the prosecutor, stated that Staughton admitted to finding the act amusing and explained that he did it because he was having a bad day. Veterinarian Helen Dennis testified before the magistrates that Princess would have experienced severe trauma from the ordeal, describing it as a form of torture. The vet noted that the cat sustained injuries, including a broken tooth and a tongue injury, as a direct result of the incident.

It was revealed that Princess belonged to Staughton’s partner of four and a half years, and the relationship ended following the incident. Staughton pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a serious offense under animal welfare laws. The court also heard that he suffers from attention deficit disorder, which was considered during sentencing.

Presiding magistrate Celia Chignell condemned the act, stating, “We see what you did was a form of torture and the aggravating features in this offence are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.”

As a result, Allan Staughton was sentenced to 56 days in jail. Additionally, he was banned from keeping any animals for life, with the possibility of appealing this ban after five years. The case has sparked outrage and concern over animal cruelty in the region, highlighting the importance of animal protection laws and enforcement.