The Brighton cat killer who terrorised cats and pet owners during his deadly rampage has died behind bars.
Security guard Steve Bouquet was jailed after claiming the lives of nine cats and wounding seven.
The former Royal Navy gunner carried out his bloody spree in the East Sussex city between October 2018 and May 2019.
He was finally brought to justice after being caught on CCTV set up by the owner of a dead moggy.
On Tuesday, the Prison Service confirmed that he had died at hospital on January 6.
At his sentencing hearing the court was told Bouquet had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which had spread to his liver and lungs.
The pet killer was jailed for five years and three months at Hove Crown Court last July after being found guilty of 16 offences of criminal damage in relation to the cats, as well as possession of a knife.
During his trial, jurors heard accounts from several cat owners who had found their pets bleeding on their doorsteps.
Nine cats - Hendrix, Tommy, Hannah, Alan, Nancy, Gizmo, Kyo, Ollie and Cosmo - were killed, while another seven were injured.
Emma O'Sullivan, owner of Gizmo, wept as she told the court: "I miss Gizmo every day. After it happened it could not sleep. I spent many months in therapy working through what had happened."
Katerine Mattock, who lived with Alan the cat, said: "This was a murder of an innocent and much-loved cat called Alan. Alan was my family. He made my house a home.
"One minute he was running round the kitchen then next he was dead, covered in blood.
Sentencing Bouquet, Judge Jeremy Gold QC said his behaviour was "cruel, it was sustained and it struck at the very heart of family life".
He added: "It is important that everyone understands that cats are domestic pets but they are more than that. They are effectively family members.
"They are much loved by the adults and children who live with and care for them.
"Cats and all domestic animals are a source of joy and support to their owners, especially during lockdown."
Bouquet served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, including in Northern Ireland and Iraq.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Steve Bouquet died at Maritime Medway Hospital on January 6 2022.
"The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed."
