A HAMPSHIRE man has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years after he let a cat starve to death.

Thomas the black and white cat was left locked alone in an empty flat for several weeks.

George Barrett, 19, of Frosthole Close, Fareham, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a black and white cat named Thomas after he failed to receive a suitable diet between September 16 2017 and November 23 2017

Thomas was left unattended at an address in Upper Wharf, Fareham and died alone in the empty flat.

Chief inspector Jen Ride, who investigated, said: “This was a case of horrific neglect which sadly led to the death of Thomas.

“Barrett had abandoned his cat with just one bowl of food and one bowl before he locked the door and left the flat he had been renting.

“It’s thought that Thomas managed to survived for a number of weeks by drinking from the toilet. When his partially decomposed body was discovered he was curled up in his cat carrier just skin and bones.

“The saddest part of all is this could have been avoided and Thomas could still be alive today. There is never an excuse for simply walking away and leaving an animal to face a long slow death from starvation.”

As well as a five-year disqualification order, Barrett was ordered to carry out 10 hours of unpaid work, ten rehabilitation activity days and pay £200 in court costs with a £85 victim surcharge, at the hearing at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on April 16.