Intruder who stabbed dog 11 times pleads guilty

Alexandru Balea made his pleas at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday

An intruder who broke into a house in Woolacombe, Devon has admitted killing a pet dog during the raid.

Alexandru Balea, 23, of South Street, Woolacombe, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to do unlawful criminal damage to a dog and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on 22 February.

The incident saw Balea stab a dog, named Una, 11 times after breaking into its owners house while they were out.

He entered his pleas at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday and the case has been adjourned until 6 August.

Judge Stephen Climie remanded Balea in custody and at a previous hearing was told that the burglary fell into the most serious category within sentencing guidelines.

A sentence starting point of three years and a range running up to six years was recommended.

Sector Inspector Andrew Wills said: "This is an offence which will understandably cause concern in a community where residential burglary is fortunately very rare.

"It is currently not being linked to any other reports.”

Balea had previously pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, burglary dwelling with intent to steal and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000 at North Devon Magistrates Court on 26 February.

The charges were amended to specify the attack on the dog as its primary feature.