Brighton cat killer’s cause of death is revealed at inquest

THE Brighton cat killer’s cause of death has today been revealed.

Steven Bouquet was locked up in 2021 after being found guilty of the violent spree in the seaside resort.

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The man, who was dubbed the Brighton cat killer, was found guilty of 16 offences of criminal damage, in relation to the felines, and possession of a knife.

The security guard was jailed for five years and three months for the string of attacks, but died just months into his sentence.

An inquest today heard he died of Covid-19 – as well as other illnesses.

Coroner Patricia Harding ruled Bouquet’s death as natural causes at the Maidstone, Kent hearing.

She said his medical cause of death was confirmed as Covid-19 pneumonitis – as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Harding said it was “not clear” where Bouquet got Covid – but said he tested positive on December 28.

The day prior he was rushed to Medway Maritime Hospital for a cough and difficulty breathing.

Bouquet was also receiving end-of-life care for thyroid cancer while serving his sentence in HMP Elmley, Sudbury Mercury reported.

His campaign of attacks took place between October 2018 and June 2019.

Nine cats – Nancy, Ollie, Alan, Tommy, Cosmo, Hendrix, Hannah, Kyo and Gizmo – were killed and another seven were injured.

The twisted killer showed no remorse or emotions as he was sentenced and heard harrowing victim impact statements from the cat’s owners.

During his sentencing hearing it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer which has spread to his liver and lungs.