BRANDEN GAUGHAN'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN DUSTON AND NORTHAMPTON REVEALED
| Red Rose Database
Duston Animal Abuser
Brendan Gaughan, born around 1986 and most recently residing on Mendip Road in Duston, Northampton NN5, has been convicted of a series of disturbing crimes that have shocked the local community. His criminal activities include the brutal mutilation and killing of seven pet cats across Northampton, with the bodies left in plastic bags on the owners' driveways and front gardens, causing immense distress to families and animal lovers alike.
The case against Gaughan was brought to light after a series of heinous acts between August and November 2017. During this period, he targeted and murdered seven domestic cats, claiming that his initial motives were driven by spite towards the owners. However, he later admitted that the acts left him feeling 'satisfied,' prompting him to continue the violence. Nearly every night, between 1am and 2am, Gaughan would go out searching for cats, luring them close before strangling and dismembering their bodies. The remains were then carefully placed in plastic bags and left on the victims' doorsteps or in their front gardens, a pattern that caused widespread fear and grief among residents.
Among the victims was a cat named Rusty, whose body was found in a bag on a Northampton doorstep. Other cats, including Topsy, were discovered outside homes in the Kingsley area and in gardens on Chewton Close in Duston. Additional mutilated bodies were found in Duston, with some dismembered cats left on car roofs or in plastic bags on doorsteps, further illustrating the extent of Gaughan's cruelty.
Prosecutor Matthew Rowcliffe QC detailed Gaughan's disturbing actions, stating, “After doing it, he would feel satisfied for hurting the families.” The court also heard that in November 2017, Gaughan claimed to have 'got bored of harming animals' and shifted his focus to starting fires across Northampton. His arson spree caused extensive damage, including the destruction of three tents, damage to the Outpost Café and its recycling bins, and the burning of The Ark floating restaurant on Bedford Road. He also set fire to wheelie bins at the Edward Green Shoe Factory, a Vauxhall van, and the Bray Learning and Development Centre at St Andrews Hospital.
During a psychiatric assessment, Gaughan revealed troubling thoughts, including fantasies of entering women’s houses, raping, and killing women. Although he admitted to having these thoughts, he has never acted on them. His defense lawyer, Mr. Guy Williamson QC, emphasized that Gaughan expressed deep remorse and shame for his actions, acknowledging the psychological, physical, and emotional harm caused. He argued that Gaughan suffers from mental health issues, feels isolated, and is vulnerable within his community. The lawyer also stated that Gaughan did not derive pleasure from harming the cats and felt nothing towards them.
However, Judge Roger Tregilgas-Davey highlighted the deliberate nature of Gaughan’s arson activities, criticizing his failure to assist or alert emergency services during the fires. The judge described the fires as persistent and intentionally set, with Gaughan making efforts to relight them when they initially failed to take hold. Despite the severity of his crimes, the judge chose not to classify Gaughan as 'dangerous,' but he did impose a sentence of 44 months in prison, with only three months specifically for the seven cat killings. The judge emphasized that, although the acts were distasteful and distressing, the legal limits on sentencing prevented a harsher punishment.
In conclusion, Brendan Gaughan’s actions have left a lasting scar on the Northampton community, highlighting the importance of mental health considerations in criminal cases and the devastating impact of animal cruelty and arson. His sentencing reflects a recognition of the severity of his crimes, but also the limitations faced by the justice system in addressing such complex cases.
The case against Gaughan was brought to light after a series of heinous acts between August and November 2017. During this period, he targeted and murdered seven domestic cats, claiming that his initial motives were driven by spite towards the owners. However, he later admitted that the acts left him feeling 'satisfied,' prompting him to continue the violence. Nearly every night, between 1am and 2am, Gaughan would go out searching for cats, luring them close before strangling and dismembering their bodies. The remains were then carefully placed in plastic bags and left on the victims' doorsteps or in their front gardens, a pattern that caused widespread fear and grief among residents.
Among the victims was a cat named Rusty, whose body was found in a bag on a Northampton doorstep. Other cats, including Topsy, were discovered outside homes in the Kingsley area and in gardens on Chewton Close in Duston. Additional mutilated bodies were found in Duston, with some dismembered cats left on car roofs or in plastic bags on doorsteps, further illustrating the extent of Gaughan's cruelty.
Prosecutor Matthew Rowcliffe QC detailed Gaughan's disturbing actions, stating, “After doing it, he would feel satisfied for hurting the families.” The court also heard that in November 2017, Gaughan claimed to have 'got bored of harming animals' and shifted his focus to starting fires across Northampton. His arson spree caused extensive damage, including the destruction of three tents, damage to the Outpost Café and its recycling bins, and the burning of The Ark floating restaurant on Bedford Road. He also set fire to wheelie bins at the Edward Green Shoe Factory, a Vauxhall van, and the Bray Learning and Development Centre at St Andrews Hospital.
During a psychiatric assessment, Gaughan revealed troubling thoughts, including fantasies of entering women’s houses, raping, and killing women. Although he admitted to having these thoughts, he has never acted on them. His defense lawyer, Mr. Guy Williamson QC, emphasized that Gaughan expressed deep remorse and shame for his actions, acknowledging the psychological, physical, and emotional harm caused. He argued that Gaughan suffers from mental health issues, feels isolated, and is vulnerable within his community. The lawyer also stated that Gaughan did not derive pleasure from harming the cats and felt nothing towards them.
However, Judge Roger Tregilgas-Davey highlighted the deliberate nature of Gaughan’s arson activities, criticizing his failure to assist or alert emergency services during the fires. The judge described the fires as persistent and intentionally set, with Gaughan making efforts to relight them when they initially failed to take hold. Despite the severity of his crimes, the judge chose not to classify Gaughan as 'dangerous,' but he did impose a sentence of 44 months in prison, with only three months specifically for the seven cat killings. The judge emphasized that, although the acts were distasteful and distressing, the legal limits on sentencing prevented a harsher punishment.
In conclusion, Brendan Gaughan’s actions have left a lasting scar on the Northampton community, highlighting the importance of mental health considerations in criminal cases and the devastating impact of animal cruelty and arson. His sentencing reflects a recognition of the severity of his crimes, but also the limitations faced by the justice system in addressing such complex cases.