Man cleared over kitten's death

A man walked free after clearing his name over the death of a kitten roasted to death in a microwave. Two weeks ago Brendan Blennerhassett, 24, was jailed for six months after being convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. A judge at Newcastle upon Tyne Crown Court yesterday upheld his appeal against conviction by magistrates at Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside.

It was alleged Mr Blennerhassett took the kitten after a party guest rejected his attempts to chat her up. He did not give evidence yesterday but told magistrates at the earlier hearing that he was not responsible for the kitten's death.