EDINBURGH MAN THOMAS GORDON AKA REBECCA GORDON SHOCKS COMMUNITY WITH CRUELTY TO CATS

In a disturbing incident that has shocked residents of Edinburgh, Thomas Gordon, also known by the alias Rebecca Gordon, was found guilty of animal cruelty after a violent attack on his own pet cat. The incident took place in Corstorphine Hill, a well-known area within Edinburgh, where Gordon’s actions drew widespread condemnation.

According to court records and footage from a neighbor’s CCTV camera, Gordon, born on 13 May 1992, was captured in January 2021 violently kicking his mother’s six-year-old cat, Oreo. The footage shows Gordon, in a fit of rage following a heated argument with his mother, grabbing the defenseless feline and forcefully hurling her into a garden. The video, which lasts only about ten seconds, depicts Gordon lifting Oreo, then dropping her before delivering a kick to her body as she falls to the ground.

The incident quickly gained attention after the footage was shared on Facebook, where it rapidly went viral. Animal lovers and advocacy groups around the world expressed outrage and disgust at the cruelty displayed in the video. The widespread sharing prompted police and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) to investigate the matter.

Following the viral spread of the footage, authorities identified Gordon and took him into custody. During police interviews, Gordon claimed that the cat had bitten him, and he reacted by kicking her in retaliation. His lawyer explained that her client experienced a momentary loss of temper during a dispute with his mother, which led to the assault on the animal. She emphasized that, fortunately, there appeared to be no lasting injuries inflicted on Oreo.

On Tuesday, 4 April 2023, Gordon appeared in court to face charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging his actions. The court reviewed the video evidence and heard testimony from the prosecution, including Sarah Noon, a fiscal depute, who confirmed that police and the Scottish SPCA had been alerted to the incident after the footage’s viral spread.

As part of his sentencing, Gordon was fined a total of £245. Additionally, he was handed a two-year ban on owning or keeping any animals, a restriction that will remain in effect until April 2025. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which animal cruelty is treated in Edinburgh and highlights the importance of accountability for such acts of violence against defenseless creatures.

Gordon is known to own two cats and a dog, which he shares with his girlfriend. The case has sparked ongoing discussions about animal welfare and the need for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws within the city of Edinburgh.