By NICHOLA JONES
Last updated at 4:58 PM on 31st October 2011
The tabby cat kidnapped by the vengeful wife of a Liberal Democrat MP has been discovered alive and well and with a litter of kittens.
Beauty was last seen in September 2010 when CCTV footage showed her being bundled out of her owner Emily Cox's home.
The cat thief was identified as Christine Hemming, 53, the jilted wife of Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming, with whom Miss Cox is now in a relationship.
Mystery solved: Beauty has been found safe and well, and even has kittens
On Friday, Mrs Hemming was handed a nine-month suspended sentence for the burglary – but the whereabouts of the pet remained a mystery until auxiliary nurse Sheila Bates telephoned Mr Hemming to say Beauty had been staying with her since last November.
She said her tom cat Felix brought Beauty home. 'I let her in and gave her some food and she's come back every day since', Miss Bates said.
It was only following last week's conviction of Mrs Hemming she realised the stray she had been caring for might be Beauty and contacted Mr Hemming, who immediately collected the pet.
Publicity: It was only after reports of Christine Hemming's conviction that Shelia Bates realised her stray may be Beauty
Cat-napped: The CCTV footage of Mrs Hemming stealing four-month-old Beauty
The MP's six-year-old daughter with Miss Cox, Isobel, said yesterday: 'I was very happy when we found her. I have missed her a lot.'
The tabby will have to wait for a full reunion at her former home as she is still weaning her kittens, which remain at Miss Bates's house in Birmingham.
Mr Hemming left his wife for Miss Cox in 2004 following an affair and now lives with her and their daughter.
Cat lovers: John Hemming and his long-term mistress Emily Cox, from whom his wife stole the kitten
WATCH THE VIDEO
PLEASE, PLEASE DM, can we have some pictures of Beauty and her kittens!!! Really pleased she has been found safe and well.
- Moominmamma, Moominvalley, 31/10/2011 12:24
Report abuse