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A Wirral man who accused his former partner of killing their cat during an 18-hour drunken tirade was previously jailed for attacking a puppy so badly it had to be put down.
Stefan McCormick, 35, sent his ex-girlfriend 37 abusive and threatening voice messages after learning the cat, Cleo, had died on December 29, 2024.
McCormick, of Woodchurch Lane, Prenton, repeatedly blamed his former partner for the animal's death, calling her a "dirty cat killing c***".
He also told her: "I might have killed a dog, but I didn't kill you."
McCormick pleaded guilty to sending electronic communications with the intent to cause fear, distress or anxiety at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, August 14, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Prosecutor Helen Chenery told the court the messages were sent between midday and 5 am, with most relating to the death of the cat.
McCormick's criminal history includes a 2014 conviction for causing unnecessary suffering to his four-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Ty.
Initially, he said the puppy had been hit by a car, but experts found the animal's legs suggested they "might have been pulled apart with a great deal of force" or that it had been picked up by its legs and swung against a solid object.
McCormick was jailed for 24 weeks in October 2014 for the offence.
His criminal history also pertains to violence against humans, as he was sentenced to 20 months in prison for attacking his former teenage girlfriend, who was 17 at the time. She had just given birth to his child. The attack happened after an all-day drinking session in Wirral, with McCormick punching, kicking and dragging the girl along the street.
Lastly, he also served a 17-month sentence for wounding in 2017 and a 10-month sentence in 2020 after he verbally abused staff at Arrowe Park Hospital and assaulted a security guard during the Covid-19 lockdown.
During Friday's hearing, the court heard recordings of McCormick's messages to his former partner, in which he repeatedly blamed her for Cleo's death and made threats towards her and her family.
Defending, David Polglase said McCormick had not taken drugs for some time and had personal and family trauma, as well as ongoing mental health difficulties. He also told the court McCormick was in remission from cancer.
McCormick was sentenced to seven months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation days.
A restraining order was also imposed, banning him from contacting his former partner for five years.
