Amazon driver caught on Ring doorbell footage stealing family’s cat while making deliveries avoids prison
An ’embarrassed’ Amazon delivery driver caught on doorbell camera stealing a beloved family cat has escaped prison.
Catalin Stancu, 42, was caught by the Ring doorbell after dropping off a package for tabby cat Nora in Elland, near Halifax, West Yorkshire, on January 18.
Owner Carl Crowther, 54, was ‘disgusted’ when he discovered why his pet had disappeared from the doorbell camera.
The family was reunited with their beloved pet hours later after receiving a text from Stancu saying: ‘Hello, I have your cat.’
Nora finally returned home three days later on January 21.
Stancu, of Oldham, Greater Manchester, was later arrested and pleaded guilty at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on March 26 to stealing a cat contrary to section 2 of the Pet Kidnapping Act 2024.
He was released on unconditional bail, before being sentenced today to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
Stancu was also given 15 days community service and ordered to pay £500 in compensation.
Catalin Stancu, 42, escaped prison after she was caught stealing tabby cat Nora from a house in West Yorkshire by ringing a bell
The delivery driver seen in the footage catching the cat was given a suspended prison sentence
Nora the tabby was taken from her family, but the incident doesn’t appear to be “gradual” according to her owners
Stancu, wearing a black suit, spoke only to confirm his name and address.
The court heard she was ’embarrassed’ and tried to contact the family on social media to return the cat, but they received no response.
Stancu had three theft convictions dating back 13 years. He is the single father of a 15-year-old son and also takes care of his mother.
The court heard Stancu’s claim that his son was being bullied because of a video circulating on social media showing him stealing the cat.
Carl’s wife Sarah Sharpe (52) and daughter Kyla Sharpe (18) also attended the hearing.
Speaking earlier at the time of Nora’s disappearance, the distraught care worker described Stancu’s actions as ‘absolutely disgusting’.
He said: ‘He [Stancu] He was there for more than six minutes.
‘He immediately comes to the door, takes the cat, turns around and walks away.’
Carl later confirmed that Nora did not seem ‘phased’ by the incident.
After being reunited with her on January 21, he added: ‘We are delighted and very relieved that Nora is now home.
‘He doesn’t seem to be shaken by the events of the last few days and is happily enjoying the extra treats and cuddles.
18-year-old Kyla Sharpe was in court for the sentencing of Stancu, who admitted stealing Nora
Stancu, who was seen delivering a package to Crowther’s property, pleaded guilty to stealing the cat contrary to section 2 of the Pet Kidnapping Act 2024.
In a victim impact statement read in court at a previous hearing, the family said the incident left them not knowing what happened to their cat or who took it.
They said: ‘We were left in complete uncertainty for four days and the emotional toll on our family was enormous.’
The Pet Theft Act 2024, which came into force in England and Northern Ireland in August 2024, makes the theft of a cat or dog a specific offense and recognizes them as sentient beings rather than mere property.
Convicted offenders face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
