The Japanese man who admitted to killing and harming cats in Sliema has blamed his actions on a violent upbringing, as heard in court.Okamura Satoshi, 31, pleaded guilty in August to a string of brutal attacks on stray cats that sparked public outrage. He also admitted to slightly injuring two police officers during his arrest as reported by Times of Malta.Testifying in court, probation officer Matthew Fleri Soler said Satoshi linked his violent outbursts to “intense” verbal abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of his father. According to the probation officer’s pre-sentencing report, the accused claimed he lashed out at cats if they scratched, bit, or ignored him.Although Satoshi has no previous convictions in Malta, Japan, or the UK, the probation officer raised concerns about underlying mental health issues. He recommended an effective prison sentence coupled with a three-year treatment order, stressing the need for psychological monitoring to prevent further violence.The case drew national attention in July after five cats were found dead or mutilated in Sliema, with CCTV footage capturing one of the attacks. The incident prompted an online petition, now signed by more than 9,000 people, demanding the maximum penalty. Malta’s Japanese community has since raised over €12,000 for animal welfare organisations.Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia is presiding over the case, which remains ongoing.•