Cat arrested for breaking into Spanish house

EXCLUSIVE by James Bryce and Wendy Williams

THE Malaga owner of a half-blind cat denounced for breaking a chandelier has revealed how the neighbour – a well known TV presenter – has been threatening his pet for months.

According to Nick Holland, 44, his high profile neighbour, who appeared on Spanish celebrity Big Brother, has been targeting his beloved Oscar since he moved in to his new home in Benahavis, Malaga in February.

Furthermore it has emerged that 10-year-old Oscar – who was incredibly actually summoned to court after the neighbour’s 1000 euro chandelier was smashed – may actually have been a victim of mistaken identity.

In her official complaint the neighbour described the cat as a ‘grey Persian’, which matches the description of a different cat across the road.

“In the UK the police would acknowledge it’s simply a case of mistaken identity, but not in Spain. People can complain about anything on a whim,” Holland told the Olive Press.

“Still the police certainly saw the funny side,” added the marketing executive, who lives with his partner, singer Steven Lloyd Morgan, and three cats and three dogs.

When the police arrived to question the suspect – who has metal pins in his legs after being hit by a car – they presented a dossier including 30 pictures of the damage.

However, crucially none of them were of the ‘assailant’.

Incredibly, the defendant stands accused of breaking and entering and could face a fine or prison sentence for causing criminal damage.

And to add to the absurdity of the situation, the owners were told they could have to stump up 1,500 euros to defend their pet in court, with an initial hearing set for last Wednesday.

Oscar’s plight was highlighted by the Facebook group “Save Oscar! The Benahavis 1” which received massive support over the last few days.

The page went global thanks to our first report in the Olive Press.

The Facebook appeal stated: “We are trying to spread the word to give our gorgeous cat the best chance and to bring to light the absolute nonsense that has been created by these spiteful people.”

The court date has been temporarily postponed and no new date has been set.

“We are hoping this is all going to go away as it could get very costly,” added Holland.