Brighton cat killer: Steve Bouquet did not get compassionate release

Steve Bouquet spent his final days in prison before being sent to the Maritime Medway Hospital in Gillingham, where he died on January 6.

The 55-year-old is believed to have been held at Lewes Prison following his sentencing last July, before being moved to Rochester Prison in Kent.

Bouquet terrorised pet owners around Brighton and Hove, when he went on a killing spree, leaving nine cats dead and seven more with injuries.

• READ MORE: Brighton cat killer has died - all the latest

He was eventually caught in May 2019 after being filmed on a CCTV camera which was set up by the owner of a cat that was killed the year before.

Bouquet stood trial at Hove Crown Court where he was found guilty of criminal damage in relation to the cats he attacked, as well as possession of a knife.

He was jailed for five years and three months and was part way through his sentence when it was confirmed that he had died on January 6.

CCTV set up by the owner of a dead cat which captured Bouquet on video in central Brighton

The Argus has made enquiries whether Bouquet - who previously went on the run after failing to turn up at court - was released before his death.

This week, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that Bouquet was not granted compassionate release due to ill-health.

There is no indication whether any request was made.

• READ MORE: Couple whose cat was found beheaded on driveway believe it could have been Steve Bouquet

Compassionate release can be given when “the prisoner is suffering from a terminal illness and death is likely to occur very shortly”.

The risk of re-offending, particularly of a sexual or violent nature, is one of the main factors taken into consideration too.

There also has to be adequate arrangements for the prisoner’s care and treatment outside prison and early release is believed to bring some “significant benefit” to the prisoner or their family.

Steve Bouquet, middle, stabbed at least 16 cats

It can be given to prisoners on fixed-term sentences on indeterminate sentences such as a life sentence.

Compassionate release has rarely been given in the UK, although one of the most famous examples was Ronnie Biggs, who was part of the great train robbery in 1963.

Biggs was granted compassionate release in 2009 due to having severe pneumonia which left him unable to eat, speak or walk at the time.

He died in a care home in 2013, aged 84.

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