PAMELA MATTINSON'S BRUTAL CRIME IN BOLTON: CAT ABUSE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Pamela Mattinson, a resident of Bolton, was involved in a disturbing incident that has left the local community shaken and outraged. Born around 1974 and residing at 1 Alston Street, Great Lever, Bolton BL3 3DQ, Mattinson was convicted in 2023 of heinous acts against a defenseless animal, actions that have sparked widespread condemnation.

According to court reports, Mattinson was caught on camera engaging in a violent assault on a young female cat. The footage shows her repeatedly and forcefully hurling a large brick into her neighbor’s wheelie bin, with the apparent intent to kill the trapped animal. The cat, which was inside a plastic bag, was subjected to this brutal attack while the neighbor was nearby. When confronted, Mattinson initially fled the scene but soon returned, pulled the frightened kitten out of the plastic bag, and questioned the neighbor, asking, “Why is my cat in your bin?” She then issued threats to damage the neighbor’s windows before walking away with the injured animal towards a local veterinary clinic.

Police officers intercepted her as she was carrying the distressed cat in her arms. The animal was visibly terrified, suffering from injuries including damaged hind legs and heavy bleeding from one of her paws. The kitten was rushed to a veterinarian, where she received four days of intensive treatment. Despite her injuries, the kitten has since made a remarkable recovery and is now living with new owners, far from the trauma inflicted during the incident.

The neighbor, who witnessed the attack, reported hearing loud banging and animal screams from his rear window. Upon investigation, he saw Mattinson standing by his bin, repeatedly throwing a large brick into it. He recorded her actions, which included four forceful throws. When he approached her to inquire about her behavior, she ran back into her own garden. The neighbor then called the police. Shortly afterward, Mattinson returned, pulled the cat out of a black bin bag, and questioned, “Why is my cat in your bin?” She also threatened to smash the neighbor’s windows before leaving with the animal in her hands. Police detained her nearby, and a constable noted the cat’s frightened state before seizing her for treatment.

During police interviews, Mattinson admitted to causing the injuries, claiming she was trying to frighten off a larger cat that had been harassing her pet. She further stated she had been attempting to put the kitten “out of its misery,” and it was revealed she had been drinking vodka prior to the incident. Her history includes 13 previous offenses, primarily related to aggression and domestic abuse, but notably, she had no prior convictions for animal cruelty.

At Bolton Crown Court, prosecutor Edmund Potts detailed the events of March 2, 2023. The court heard that the neighbor’s investigation was prompted by the loud noises and animal screams. The footage and witness testimony painted a disturbing picture of deliberate cruelty. Mattinson’s defense argued that she was struggling with alcoholism and mental health issues, suggesting her actions were a one-off and that she was attempting to protect her pet from harassment. Her legal representative, Colin Buckle, emphasized her vulnerability and the fact that her actions were not typical of her behavior.

Judge Nicholas Clarke QC described Mattinson’s actions as “sadistic,” noting the cruelty involved in placing the cat in the bin and attacking her with force. He acknowledged her mental health struggles but emphasized the severity of her crime. The judge pointed out that the cat narrowly escaped further harm and was fortunate to survive the attack. As a result, Mattinson was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activities, 180 hours of unpaid work, and a ten-year ban from owning animals. She was also referred to the Women’s Problem-Solving Court, highlighting the seriousness with which the court viewed her actions and the need for intervention.

This case has shocked residents of Bolton and has reignited debates about animal cruelty and mental health support. The community hopes that justice serves as a warning and that such acts of cruelty are met with appropriate consequences, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable animals in the future.