Animal cruelty case: Police critical of suspended sentences

Four men from east Belfast have been given suspended prison sentences for animal cruelty offences.

Jeremiah Kirkwood, 43, and his sons Chris, 23, and Wayne, 20, from Island Street, admitted keeping or training animals in connection with dog fights.

Jamie Morrow, 19, from McAllister Court, admitted a charge of keeping or training animals in connection with an animal fight.

The judge at Belfast Crown Court sentenced the men to six months in jail, but suspended the prison term for two years.

Police said they were "very disappointed at the outcome" of the trial.

Chris Page reports.