OLIVER VATCHER AND PAIGE SMITH FROM CLEETHORPES SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO KITTENS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cleethorpes, Oliver James Vatcher, born on August 27, 1998, and residing at 89 Ainslie Street, Grimsby DN32 0LZ, along with Paige Annie Smith, born on November 6, 1997, of Daubney Street, Cleethorpes DN35 7NU, have been found guilty of subjecting two innocent kittens to repeated acts of severe violence.

Both individuals faced serious allegations after it was discovered that the two young cats, including a seven-month-old kitten named Simba, had suffered multiple injuries that caused them significant pain and suffering. The case came to light after the RSPCA was contacted on November 16, 2020, following concerns raised by another animal charity about Simba’s condition.

The charity reported that Simba was exhibiting a series of injuries within a short period, which were consistent with non-accidental trauma. The kitten was found to have sustained head trauma, a broken tail, a fracture in her left hind femur, three fractured ribs, and a possible dislocated jaw. These injuries indicated a pattern of deliberate harm rather than accidental injury.

Further investigations revealed that Simba’s sibling, Nala, had also been admitted to a veterinary facility with injuries similar in nature. On January 20, 2021, RSPCA inspector Thomas Hutton was informed by a veterinarian that Nala had multiple rib fractures of different ages, along with a fractured canine and femur. The severity and pattern of injuries raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding their infliction.

During court proceedings, Vatcher and Smith admitted that the injuries to the kittens were non-accidental but insisted they were not responsible for causing them. They claimed they did not see who inflicted the injuries and denied any involvement, asserting that they did not believe each other was responsible. Despite their denials, both pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the two kittens by failing to prevent the infliction of multiple injuries.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton expressed his concern, stating, “The injuries sustained by both cats would have caused significant pain and suffering. Both kittens received treatment for their injuries and have since recovered well. They have now been rehomed to loving families.”

In sentencing, Vatcher and Smith received a 12-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, Paige Smith was ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activities, while Oliver Vatcher was required to undertake 10 days of similar activities. Both were fined £500 to cover court costs and disqualified from keeping any animals for five years, a ban that will expire in January 2027.

It is noteworthy that Oliver Vatcher has a prior conviction from 2018 for assaulting a police officer. At that time, he was described as a factory worker and was fined £200, with additional costs and compensation ordered against him. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws in the Cleethorpes area.