CONVICTED (2024) | Lynsey Alcock, born 28 January 2000, of 117 Inglewhite, Skelmersdale WN8 6JG, and Thomas Webster, born 5 February 2002, of Beech Close, Skelmersdale WN8 8DL – starved between seven and 10 cats to death. The remains of the pets’ skulls, jaws, legs and tails were found scattered around the faeces and rubbish-strewn property in Beech Close, Skelmersdale, in a scene which was described by an RSPCA inspector as “utterly heart-breaking.” The water in the sink and toilet had been drunk dry and some of the cats had partially eaten others in an attempt to stay alive. Alcock had denied one charge contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA but was found guilty in her absence at a trial in June 2024. Webster admitted a single charge of failing to provide adequate food and water for four animals resulting in their deaths and was sentenced in December 2023. The court was told that RSPCA Inspector Vicki Brooks had gone to the flat on April 12, 2023, after the charity had received reports that cats had been left unattended. Seals and markers were placed on the front door to see if anyone was coming or going – as is standard practice – but 48 hours later it was clear that no one was at the house. Two days later, the officer returned to the address with officers from Lancashire Police. The door was still sealed and enquiries were made with neighbours who said that the occupants hadn’t been seen for up to two months. In her written evidence to the court Inspector Brooks said: “When the front door was opened we were immediately surrounded by a very large swarm of flies. “I saw the remains of a deceased cat in the area to the right of the bottom of the stairs. “It appeared to have been partially eaten as it still had skin and fur in some places but all that remained of the tail was bones with small amounts of flesh on. “As I made my way through the flat I was, despite my years of experience, very shocked, disturbed and upset by what was found. “The entire flat was filthy, covered in faeces and piles of rubbish and clutter were strewn everywhere. “The flies were overwhelming and there was a very large presence of fleas. Amongst the mess the police officers and I found the remains of several deceased cats. “I became conscious of crunching underfoot and upon closer inspection I found amongst the faeces a significant amount of skeletal and partially eaten body parts belonging to cats all over the floors of the rooms. “There were no live animals in the flat. The scene was utterly heart-breaking.” It was clear the cats had perished at different times because some remains appeared mummified but others were not as old. The cats who had recently died had only survived as long as they had by eating the already deceased remains of their siblings, parents and/or offspring. Four cats, whose bodies were still intact, were found in the lounge and the bedroom. There was no food or water available and there was no water in the toilet. The inspector estimated there were between seven and ten cats dead in the property. It was only possible to carry out post mortems on four of the cats, such was the level of their decomposition. The report concluded that starvation was the most likely cause of death. During interview with the RSPCA Alcock claimed she had not lived at the address since September 2022, although witness statements heard in court disputed this. She said she had only been to the property once in late December 2022 and then once again in February 2023 when she said she remained in a car whilst someone else went into the house. In mitigation the court heard that Alcock had “mental health issues”. Speaking after the sentencing hearing Inspector Brooks said: “This was a particularly harrowing and disturbing case for everyone involved. “It was not possible to establish the exact number of cats that had suffered and perished whilst in Alcock’s care due to the condition they were found in at the property. “It was a heart-breaking scene that will stay with me for a long time and I’d like to thank the witnesses and Lancashire police for the help and support they gave me throughout this very difficult and upsetting investigation.” Sentencing | Alcock: 26-week custodial sentence – suspended for 12 months; “rehabilitation”; £50 fine. Banned from keeping animals for FIVE years (expires November 2029). Webster: 17-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, a 12 month mental health treatment programme; 60 hours of unpaid work, “rehabilitation”; £1,000 costs. Banned from keeping all animals for eight years (expires November 2032). BBC News Lancashire Telegraph LancsLive Wigan Today (Webster’s sentencing)
