A man has denied abusing and killing his girlfriend's cat as he appeared in court for the first time.
Lewis Hudson appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 23, charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship. The charge specifies that Hudson, 22, has allegedly "repeatedly or continuously" used threats of violence towards the pet cat, Binx, and towards his then girlfriend Summer Leadbetter who he was living with at the time.
The offences are alleged to have taken place at Hollins Court in Prescot between December 21 last year and August 16 this year. Hudson has also been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
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The charge specifies that Hudson is alleged to have harmed the cat "in various ways before killing it."
Hudson, of Crispin Road in Netherley, pleaded not guilty to both charges at Liverpool Magistrates' Court this morning. He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and to enter his plea to the charge.
The case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court by District Judge James Hatton for a first appearance on December 21. Hudson was released on conditional bail until that date.
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