NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE: ROBERT HAWTHORN SENTENCED FOR KILLING KITTEN

Robert Hawthorn, born around 1972 and formerly residing on Mulben Close, Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8HD, was convicted in 2025 for killing a young kitten. During court proceedings, he provided an alternative address on Armstrong Road, Benwell. Hawthorn had purchased the kitten, named Blossom, in August 2024 because he wanted companionship, as he lived alone.

His sister, Michelle Hawthorn, visited him on September 9 and inquired about the kitten, to which Robert replied that she had gone missing. Michelle, who noticed scratches on her brother, searched the local area and their home but found no sign of Blossom, excluding his bedroom.

Later, Michelle contacted Robert for an update, and he falsely claimed, “He said he had found her and she had been hit by a car.” However, it was revealed that Hawthorn had attacked Blossom, who was found at the bottom of his bed when his sister arrived.

The prosecutor explained, “Her left eye was bulging out of her head and this caused her to vomit. She took her to a vet, who confirmed she was deceased.” The following day, Hawthorn confessed to killing the kitten.

An expert report commissioned by the RSPCA showed Blossom had suffered multiple blunt force injuries to her head, neck, and thorax, with extensive bruising and rib fractures. The report stated she would have experienced pain, fear, and distress, and that the attack likely lasted several minutes.

The prosecutor described Hawthorn’s account: “The defendant was interviewed and said he had snapped and was not thinking straight. He hit her before strangling her and she was crying. He said he felt remorseful about it.”

Hawthorn pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. His defender, Caroline McGurk, described the incident as “a brief lapse of judgement,” adding that the overall condition of the animal was good. She also highlighted that Hawthorn has “limited intellectual ability” and suffers from “mental health issues.”

Mr. Recorder Samuel Rippon acknowledged that Hawthorn had experienced “a brief loss of control” and ultimately sentenced him to a 12-month suspended custodial sentence for 18 months, with £540 in costs, and an indefinite ban on keeping animals.