Judge allows cat company at Chelmsford Crown Court

The cat (not pictured here) watched proceedings from a shopping trolley

A pet cat has accompanied a defendant in court, after a judge gave permission for it to appear.

The black cat was wheeled into Chelmsford Crown Court in a shopping trolley by its owner, who has been charged with two counts of stalking.

Judge Charles Gratwicke said the 72-year-old defendant, from Chelmsford, was "emotionally supported" by the animal.

"It's a crutch which he relies on," he told the court.

The cat watched proceedings from the trolley, poking his head out of the top to be stroked by the defendant.

The judge said: "I appreciate it sounds somewhat odd but there's documentary evidence that the cat does provide emotional support for the defendant to cope.

"It's in a basket and not roaming free."

As the defendant left the court, the judge said "don't let the cat out of the bag".

He has yet to enter any pleas to the charges, which relate to alleged offences in 2013 and in April.