THE feline assassin has turned over a new leaf - and settled for a life of domesticity in Walton-le-Dale.

Barney the cat, who shot to fame after appearing in the Citizen last month when a local charity appealed for a new home for the cat criminal, is all purrs and cuddles according to new owner Teresa Newton.

She read about Barney's murderous past - which included attacking cats and maiming dogs as he patrolled his old stomping ground in Fulwood - and decided he looked so cute that she had to have him, criminal record or not.

Teresa, of Garsdale Close, Walton-le-Dale, said: "He has been a bundle of fun ever since he arrived. He seems to have adopted us and we haven't seen anything to point to the things he used to get up to in the past. "We have been looking for a cat since our own died at Christmas, aged 18. He was a big ginger cat and when we saw Barney, a tabby, I thought he was perfect.

"It's strange because he is totally different to his reputation."

However there is still time yet - Barney's new home backs on to the area's only ostrich farm!

Barney had spent several months living with a volunteer from Lancashire Cat Rescue after being saved from the streets when he was spotted roaming around Fulwood.

And although Barney seems to be keeping his mean streak under wraps at the moment, his reputation is no myth.

Christine Lomax, from Lancashire Cat Rescue, said: "With the right person, he will be fine. He is excellent with humans, it is just the four-legged companions he struggles to fight with - and they often to lose!"

Barney was offered a home once before, but was back less than eight hours later after his new owners found him to be too much of a handful!

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