Amazon driver who stole cat from family's front garden avoids prison

An Amazon delivery driver who snatched a family cat from a family's front garden while making a delivery has avoided prison.

Catalin Stancu, 41, received an eight-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months following his guilty plea to taking the tabby named Nora from outside her home in Elland, west Yorkshire, in January.

The 41-year-old from Oldham became one of the first people prosecuted under the Pet Abduction Act, legislation introduced in 2024 specifically designed to distinguish pet theft from ordinary theft offences.

Bradford Magistrates' Court heard the new law recognises that "a family pet is more than an object" and reflects the unique emotional bond between owners and their animals.

Nora, a three-year-old rescue cat, vanished from her home on January 19 when she failed to return for her evening meal as usual.

Her owner Carl Crowther grew increasingly concerned when she remained missing the following day and decided to review his Ring doorbell recordings.

The footage revealed Stancu delivering a parcel before fixing his gaze on Nora for an extended period, then lifting her and placing her inside his vehicle.

Prosecutor Paul Ramsey told the court that Mr Crowther lived at the property with his wife, daughter and stepdaughter, all of whom endured three agonising days not knowing where their beloved pet had gone.

Stancu later informed police he had spotted the cat in the rain and was uncertain whether she had an owner, despite noticing her collar.

The family's decision to share the doorbell footage online sparked a viral response that ultimately led to Nora's recovery.

Following the social media appeal, Mr Crowther received a Facebook friend request from Stancu, while his daughter was contacted via TikTok with a message stating: "Hello, I have your cat. Please text me your address. I tried to give the cat back but I forget the place I took it."

Police traced Stancu through his vehicle registration number to an address in Oldham, where Nora was found and he was subsequently arrested.

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Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Stancu maintained he had acted without malice.

"I didn't steal it, I just took it," he said, adding that he had attempted to return the cat once he saw the online posts.

District Judge Paul Marks acknowledged Stancu's concerns about Nora's welfare but made clear his conduct was unacceptable.

"Nora was a much-loved family pet and the family wanted her back… The distress they suffered for three days when they knew nothing of where Nora was, was very upsetting," the judge said.

Beyond the suspended sentence, Stancu must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and wear an electronic tag enforcing a three-month curfew.

The court also ordered him to pay £500 in compensation to the Crowther family, though Judge Marks observed that "the value of Nora can't be measured in pounds and pence".

Stancu has three prior convictions for dishonesty offences, with his last court appearance being in 2013.

Outside the courthouse, Kyla Sharpe, 18, read a statement on behalf of her family expressing gratitude that the court had recognised the gravity of the offence.

"She is not just a pet, she is a cherished member of our family, and the fear of not knowing if we would ever see her again was devastating for us all," she said.

The family confirmed they had spoken with Stancu and accepted his apology.

Sergeant Cat Ryan, who led the investigation, said this was West Yorkshire's first prosecution under the Pet Abduction Act powers designed to tackle animal theft.

Nora has since been unable to roam freely as before, with her family constructing an enclosed outdoor space amid fears she could be taken again.

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