Overview
- Andrew Shephard, 59, pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals.
- Magistrates imposed 17 weeks' imprisonment suspended for 18 months, plus 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
- The offence occurred in November from Twickenham Bridge, where witnesses heard him shout "let them die" as three kittens were tipped toward the Thames.
- Police and bystanders recovered the animals alive, with two found wet, in shock and hypothermic with body temperatures below 33C.
- Prosecutors said the act showed a clear intent to kill and cited intoxication as aggravating, while Shephard expressed remorse and alcohol dependence was noted.