An inquest has disclosed that Steven Bouquet, the individual notorious as the “Brighton cat killer,” passed away due to Covid-19 while serving his prison sentence. Bouquet, a former security guard, had been incarcerated in July 2021 after being found guilty of a series of brutal attacks involving the stabbing of 16 cats, resulting in the death of nine and injuries to seven others.
The revelation emerged during an inquest held in Maidstone, where details surrounding Bouquet’s demise were examined. The inquest disclosed that Bouquet passed away on his 55th birthday while receiving medical treatment for thyroid cancer at HMP Elmley in Kent.
Coroner Patricia Harding presided over the inquest and concluded that Bouquet’s demise was a result of natural causes at Medway Maritime Hospital. The primary medical cause of death was determined to be Covid-19 pneumonitis, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease listed as a secondary cause.
Despite receiving a regimen of antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and Covid-specific medications, Bouquet’s health steadily deteriorated, the inquest revealed. The coroner noted that it remained unclear whether Bouquet had contracted the virus within the hospital or prison setting. He had tested positive for Covid-19 one day after being admitted to the hospital, initially presenting symptoms such as coughing and breathing difficulties.
Ms. Harding stated, “Despite whatever measures, he was too weak to fight the infection and sadly he died on January 5, 2022, on his 55th birthday.”
Bouquet’s notorious string of attacks on cats occurred in Brighton between October 2018 and May 2019, finally leading to his apprehension after the owner of a deceased feline set up CCTV surveillance in the area.
