Ex-Amazon Driver Avoids Jail for Taking Family Cat

A former Amazon delivery driver avoided prison after admitting he took a family's pet cat from their garden in Elland, West Yorkshire. Catalin Stancu, 41, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was sentenced at Bradford Magistrates Court to eight weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for the offense under the Pet Abduction Act 2024.

The incident occurred on January 19, when Stancu delivered a package to the home of Carl Crowther, 54. Ring doorbell footage showed Stancu staring at the three-year-old tabby rescue cat, Nora, for a prolonged period before picking her up, despite her wearing a collar, and placing her in his vehicle. Crowther discovered the footage after Nora failed to return home for her evening meal and remained missing the next day.

The family posted the video online, noting Nora was unwell and required medication. It quickly went viral, prompting a social media backlash. Stancu then contacted them via Facebook and TikTok, messaging, "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." Nora was returned three days later, on January 21.

Stancu pleaded guilty on March 26 to taking a cat, a specific...