Man given 54-month sentence for violence, criminal damage and animal offences

A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to a number of offences in the Lowestoft area including killing or seriously injuring two cats.

Daniel Williams, 30, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four years and six months' imprisonment at Norwich Crown Court on 26 April having pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to the following:

• Intentional suffocation – 14 months’ imprisonment.
• Threatening to disclose private sexual photographs and images with intent to cause distress – 2 months’ imprisonment to run concurrently.
• Two counts of sending an electronic communication containing a threat - 10 months’ and 6 months’ imprisonment to run consecutively.
• Two counts of damaging property – One months’ imprisonment for each count to run concurrently.
• Two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal – 24 months’ imprisonment to run consecutively and 24 months’ imprisonment to run concurrently.

In 2022 Williams carried out a number of crimes including entering into a property in Lowestoft, causing damage, before killing a pet cat and leaving one other with such serious injuries it had to be euthanised by a vet.

Other incidents included smashing windows of a business in the area as well as sending threatening messages to individuals that included threatening to assault someone with a baseball bat.

As well as the 54-month custodial sentence, Williams was also handed a 10-year disqualification order under Section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act, meaning he cannot own, keep or participate in the keeping of animals.

He was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order.

Detective Constable Matthew Fox said: “Williams’ behaviour during this period was controlling, it was threatening and it was severe; culminating in the brutal attack on two defenceless and innocent animals.

“He failed to control his emotions in the most extreme manner and has caused damage to cars, buildings and businesses, but most of all he has caused untold damage to the lives of a number of people.

“Now he will have time in prison to consider the fear and pain he has put onto other people, in the knowledge that even once released, if he breaches the conditions placed on him, he will face yet further punishment.”