A man killed his ex-girlfriend's pet rabbits after she dumped him, a court heard. Clifford Whitbread took revenge on Sarah Roberts by snapping the necks of the two rabbits, and hitting one over the head with a half brick. Just three days before the attack, the court heard Whitbread, 31, was dumped by Miss Roberts, the mother of his 16-month-old child.
Burnley Magistrates' Court, Lancs, heard how Whitbread then tried to take his own life and had threatened to kill her and the animals. The defendant downed a cocktail of drink and drugs before carrying out his threat and killing the rabbits, bought just months earlier. Whitbread, of Waterfoot, admitted criminal damage and possessing amphetamine.
Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said Miss Roberts ended the relationship in September because, she said Whitbread had a serious alcohol problem and he became verbally and physically abusive when drunk. Three days later, she noticed the rabbit run and hutch in the garden had been moved, and went out to investigate. Mr Robinson said she then found the rabbits covered in blood.
Her next-door neighbour said her grandchild had told her a man had killed the rabbits, and Whitbread had been seen leaving the property. After the animals were butchered, Miss Roberts found the defendant's blood-stained jacket, She also discovered a black bin liner containing 13.2 grammes of amphetamine.
Graeme Tindall, defending, said his client was thoroughly disgusted and ashamed and knew his behaviour had not been justified. The relationship with Miss Roberts lasted two-and-a-half years and he accepted now she was justifiably concerned about the amount he was drinking.
The solicitor said: "He is dreadfully sorry and regretful for his actions." Whitbread will be sentenced next month.
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