Well there were over a dozen reporters inside and a bank of cameras outside and as I drove home heard first reports on the radio.
She was brought in on 5 matters but all but one was dropped - the causing of unneccessary suffering.
The prosecutor had to show the video footage on his laptop to the magistrate as the dvd wouldn't play.
She pleaded guilty.
she was on the way to her mums house and often passed Lola and fussed her. the incident happened at 8pm on 21st August. The cat was found next day bu owners and was distressed but not injured. Lola in bin 15 hours.
Magistrate made great emphasis on the animal not being hurt, even though it was hot it was in the evening. She said the proscutor had not checked the contents on the bin so could not say the cat could have been hurt by broken glass, would not have suffered heat stroke and no one could tell her when the bin men were actually due.
There was a vet report but he had not seen the animal and most of it revolved round what could have happened and everyone stressed that Lola was not hurt.
We were then talked through the video, stressing she looked round, stepped back toward bin scruffed the cat in then just walked away.
Owners reported to rspca and police. Mary Bale was reported as having no priors, but magistrate was asked under section 5.34 that she be disqualified from having animals. She does not have any animals and has never had but has been known to look after.
Costs of £1171-04 for case.
Her defendant say she was of good character, no previous, and had admitted to it at all stages. She did not know why and was said to be very regretful. It was 'one impulsive act". They mentioned hr dad was in intensive care after a fall and she had been visiting each day and was not eaing or sleeping well. She has resigned from her job of 27years cos of all the attention and is living of savings. Since the incident she has been seen by docs for stress and depression. They asked for financial penalty not community penalty.
Magistrate then vanished for 20mins (cup of tea and biscuit no doubt).
Verdict - she was of good character and had pleaded guilty. She was under stress that was no excuse.
The potential for harm had been substantial but cat was fine. Mary was 'mortifies' and magistrate was sure that remorse was genuine. She has been vilified by the media.
Fine of £250 plus court costs totalling £1436-04. Payment was supposd to be made before she left court but as she was unemployed it was £500 now and the rest within 56 days.
She was disqualified from owning or keeping or helping to keep animals for 5 years.
I didn't stay around for the media but a lady from the BBC took my name and number in court (having spotted my bright green Coventry Cat Group Tshirt!).
Thats all - have to do some vet visits now..... your reporter signing off........
