STEVEN BOUQUET was former member of the armed services who was jailed in 2021 after a series of shocking attacks on pets.
But who was he, and why was he dubbed the Brighton Cat Killer? Here’s all you need to know.
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Who was Steven Bouquet?
Steven Bouquet was a security guard from Brighton.
The 54-year-old had served in the Royal Navy for 22 years in Northern Ireland and Iraq.
He was jailed in July 2021 after carrying out a campaign of knife attacks on cats.
The cause of his death is not known, but at his sentencing hearing the court was told he’d been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which had spread to his liver and lungs.
Why was Steven Bouquet called the Brighton cat killer?
Bouquet was given that name because he was found to have killed several cats around the Brighton area.
His campaign of attacks took place between October 2018 and June 2019.
Nine cats – Nancy, Ollie, Alan, Tommy, Cosmo, Hendrix, Hannah, Kyo and Gizmo – were killed and another seven were injured.
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Bouquet was found guilty of 16 offences of criminal damage, in relation to the cats, and possession of a knife at Chichester Crown Court in July 2021.
How long was Steven Bouquet in prison for?
Rather than convict him of animal cruelty – which carries a six month maximum sentence – Sussex Police charged him with criminal damage, claiming that the pets represented property.
He was handed a sentence of five years and three months in prison at Hove Crown Court.
The judge said the sentence was to punish him for his appalling, apparently random, attacks.
“This was a campaign of knife attacks on cats in central Brighton,” he said.
“The MO you used was a single stab wound with a sharp implement.
“On nine occasions that caused death.
“It is important that everyone understands cats are pets but they are more than that, they are family members who are much loved by those who care for them.
“A source of joy and support to their owners especially in lockdown.
“Your behaviour was cruel, sustained and struck at the very heart of family life.”
What is How To Catch a Cat Killer about?
How to Catch a Cat Killer is an ITV documentary about Bouquet and his crimes.
It will be broadcast at 9.00pm on Wednesday, 8 June, 2022.
The programme features police interviews and behind the scenes footage.
