LANCE POWELL OF SUTTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CRUELTY TO STRAY CAT

Lance Paddington Powell, a resident of St Paul’s Close in Carshalton, Sutton, was convicted of a brutal act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation. Born on February 2, 1952, Powell's actions on that fateful day demonstrated a shocking disregard for the life of a defenseless creature.

According to reports, Powell was angered by a stray cat that had defecated on his balcony. In a fit of rage, he took a broom and began to strike the animal repeatedly. Witnesses later described how Powell's violent assault was so severe that the cat was left dazed and injured. Despite the protests of two neighbors who witnessed the attack and shouted at him to stop, Powell continued his assault until the cat was pushed off the balcony, which was approximately 10 feet above the pavement below.

The stray cat fell onto the hard surface with a sickening thud, suffering a fractured skull and internal injuries. Emergency services were called immediately, and the cat was rushed to a nearby veterinary clinic. Despite urgent medical intervention, the injuries proved fatal, and the animal died the following day. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cat had suffered from internal bleeding and a fractured skull, injuries consistent with a severe and sustained assault.

During the court proceedings, the district judge condemned Powell’s actions, describing the cruelty inflicted as “truly horrific” and emphasizing that the animal had endured “an agonising and lingering death.” The judge, who noted Powell’s status as an immigrant from Zimbabwe, stated that such an offense warranted a custodial sentence to serve as a deterrent and to uphold public morality.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Lucy Chillery provided further details about the incident. She explained that Powell’s anger was directed at the stray cat because it continued to defecate on his balcony. The inspector recounted how Powell’s violent outburst was witnessed by two neighbors, who were so disturbed by the attack that they intervened and shouted at him to cease his assault. The neighbors then saw the injured cat fall from the balcony and land on the pavement below.

The neighbors acted swiftly, taking the injured animal to a local veterinarian for emergency treatment. Sadly, despite their efforts, the cat succumbed to its injuries overnight. The post-mortem confirmed internal bleeding and a fractured skull, underscoring the brutality of the attack. Inspector Chillery praised the witnesses for their courage and support, which was instrumental in bringing Powell to justice.

In sentencing, Powell was ordered to serve six weeks in jail, pay costs amounting to £2,998, and was banned from keeping any animals for the rest of his life. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty, with authorities emphasizing that such acts of violence are unacceptable in society.