A MAN has denied killing and injuring cats in Brighton.

Steve Bouquet faces 16 counts of criminal damage, relating to the deaths of nine cats, and injuries to seven others.

The 53-year-old was brought into court as the first case before District Judge Tessa Szagun at Brighton Magistrates' Court today.

He wore a black leather jacket, white polo shirt, and black trousers as he appered in the dock.

Bouquet spoke to confirm his name, his address at Rose Hill Terrace, Brighton, and his nationality as English.

He was represented by Kirsty Craghill, while David Holman prosecuted.

Mr Holman said the total cost of the criminal damage in the charges was £32,000.

Judge Szagun said the offences are either way offences and released Bouquet on bail.

He was ordered not to enter certain roads including Church Street and Crown Gardens.

Bouquet will next appear before the Crown Court at either Lewes, Hove, or Brighton on February 20.