THE trial of a man accused of killing and injuring cats in Brighton begins today.

Steve Bouquet, from Rose Hill Terrace, faces 16 counts of criminal damage relating to the death of nine cats, and injuries to seven others.

Bouquet, 52, denies all charges and his trial at Chichester Crown Court, Southgate, begins today.

The alleged attacks happened in Brighton between October 2018 and June 2019.

Bouquet first appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on January 23 last year to deny all charges.

His trial was delayed as the legal system struggled to cope with “this unprecedented public health emergency”.

Last year, he appeared before District Judge Tessa Szagun wearing a black leather jacket, white polo shirt, and black trousers.

Bouquet spoke only to confirm his name, address and his nationality as English.

He was represented by Kirsty Craghill, while David Holman prosecuted.

Mr Holman said the total cost of the criminal damage in the charges was £32,000.