An ex-Royal Navy gunner dubbed the Brighton cat killer has been jailed for more than five years after being found guilty of killing nine cats and maiming seven more during a nine-month campaign of cruelty.
Steve Bouquet, 54, approached the pets close to their homes and began to show them affection before launching his attacks in East Sussex.
The cats that greeted the shopping centre security guard were left to die after he pulled out a knife and stabbed them with 'force'.
Bouquet's killing spree brought fear to pet owners across the seaside resort who were too scared to let their cats out.
Between October 2018 and June 2019, Bouquet stabbed at least 16 pet cats, killing nine and seriously injuring seven.
He was only caught after the owner of one killed cat set up CCTV overlooking the alleyway outside his house and caught him attacking his final victim.
Pet owners broke down in tears today at Hove Crown Court while reading statements about the impact of their beloved pets' deaths.
Steve Bouquet (pictured above), 54, approached the pets close to their homes and began to show them affection before launching his attacks in Brighton, East Sussex
Claire Taylor with her cat Merlin. Bouquet is thought to have killed other cats, including Merlin, but this allegation was not added to the charges as there was not enough evidence to prosecute
Emma O'Sullivan, whose cat Gizmo was killed, wept as she told the court: 'I miss Gizmo every day. After it happened it could not sleep. I spent many months in therapy working through what had happened.
'I'll miss her for the rest of my life. She was such a friendly and loving cat who loved sitting outside the house getting petted by people walking past.'
Katerine Mattock, owner of Alan, said: 'This was a murder of innocent and much-loved cat called Alan. Alan was my family. He made my house a home.
'One minute he was running round the kitchen then next he was dead, covered in blood.
'He had an innocent and playful nature. It was dreadful to think he went to a stranger for a stroke and then got a stab instead. In the immediate time after his death meant I had to have medication to sleep. Law is not fit for purpose.'
Lucy Kenward, who spent £5,000 on veterinary treatment trying to save her cat Cosmo, broke down in tears as she recalled the horrific killing.
She said: 'I thought he may be injured, get hit by a car, get into a fight with other cats but I never expected him to be stabbed by a person.'
Andrea Williams, whose pet Wheatley was injured and then later died, said her cat was a Maine coon.
Between October 2018 and June 2019, Bouquet stabbed at least 16 pet cats across the seaside resort, killing nine and seriously injuring seven
Black cat Sammy, whose owner Jean Powell was among those who reported that their cats had fallen victim to a killer
Black cat Kyo (pictured), who belonged to Paul Tofts, was killed in May 2019. Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Gold QC said the crimes were 'appalling
Nancy, who belonged to Jeff Carter, was killed in March 2019. When police searched Bouquet's flat they found a knife stained with feline blood in his kitchen
Alan, who belonged to Katherine Maddock, was killed in February 2019. His owner told the court: 'Alan was my family. He made my house a home'
Samson, who was injured but survived. Authorities fear that Bouquet could be responsible for more than 30 cat attacks in the city
