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Teenagers detained for mutilating kittens near Ruislip Golf Course | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
This black animal carrier was used to transport the kittens | This black animal carrier was used to transport the kittens |
Two teenagers have been detained for the torture and killing of two kittens that were found cut open in a wooded area in west London. | |
District Judge Hina Rai said that the killings near Ruislip Golf Course were "without a doubt the most awful offences against animals I have seen in this court". | |
The boy, 17, had also dreamed of killing a human and "getting away with murder". He was given a 12-month detention and training order and his accomplice in the animal abuse, a 17-year-old girl, was given a nine-month detention order. | |
A passerby saw the boy holding a black bag, which was "moving slightly as if something live was inside it", Highbury Corner Youth heard. | |
Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing | Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing |
Both teenagers, who cannot be named because of their age, were also given a lifetime ban on keeping or owning animals. | |
They pleaded guilty on 21 May to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals by mutilating and killing them. | |
On 3 May, a member of the public who found the kittens warned another passerby not to go down the footpath because "there is something horrific down there". | |
The black kittens were found with ropes attached to them and had been cut open. Also discovered at the scene were blowtorches, three knives and a pair of scissors. | The black kittens were found with ropes attached to them and had been cut open. Also discovered at the scene were blowtorches, three knives and a pair of scissors. |
One kitten was found hanging from a rope and was completely ripped open, with its eyes bulging, the court heard. | One kitten was found hanging from a rope and was completely ripped open, with its eyes bulging, the court heard. |
Alongside the tools, a significant amount of blood and fur were found. | Alongside the tools, a significant amount of blood and fur were found. |
The teenagers also admitted one count of unlawful possession of a knife. | The teenagers also admitted one count of unlawful possession of a knife. |
The pair were seen running away from the scene at the time - the Met Police originally issued this image which has been edited to protect the teenagers' identity | |
Sentencing the boy, Judge Rai told him his actions had been "extensively planned" and were "clearly premeditated". | Sentencing the boy, Judge Rai told him his actions had been "extensively planned" and were "clearly premeditated". |
She told him: "You said sorry in your [police] interview but reports also show that you struggle to show empathy and realise that the kittens would suffer." | She told him: "You said sorry in your [police] interview but reports also show that you struggle to show empathy and realise that the kittens would suffer." |
She added: "It seems you chose the kittens because they have emotion and you would have power over them." | She added: "It seems you chose the kittens because they have emotion and you would have power over them." |
Notes on the boy's phone detailed his desire to kill another person. | Notes on the boy's phone detailed his desire to kill another person. |
They read: "I really wanted to murder someone. | They read: "I really wanted to murder someone. |
"Every day I was researching how to get away with murder. I have come close. I have killed cats to reduce my urges. I have skinned, strangled and stabbed cats." | "Every day I was researching how to get away with murder. I have come close. I have killed cats to reduce my urges. I have skinned, strangled and stabbed cats." |
The boy, who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism which has yet to be diagnosed, had no previous convictions. | The boy, who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism which has yet to be diagnosed, had no previous convictions. |
The kittens were found near Ruislip Golf Course | |
Det Con Rebecca Rickhuss, who led the investigation, said: "This was a deeply distressing case and as we continued to gather evidence, we grew concerned that torturing and killing cats would be a catalyst onto further violent offending. | |
"I urge parents and carers to take an active interest in what their children are accessing online. | |
"On Defendant A's phone, we found graphic videos of animal cruelty, disturbing notes, and posts glorifying violence." | |
Additional reporting by PA Media | Additional reporting by PA Media |
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk | Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk |