Darlington man jailed for biting hamster's head off
- Published
Jamie Straugher, 20, admitted all the charges when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court
A man has been jailed after admitting biting off a pet hamster's head on Christmas Eve.
Jamie Straugher of Victoria Road, Darlington, was charged with causing suffering to a protected animal.
He was also charged with failing to surrender and failing to appear at court on Monday.
Straugher, 20, who appeared before Newton Aycliffe magistrates on Wednesday, admitted all charges and was jailed for 26 weeks.
He was also ordered to pay £154.
Straugher was also given a 10-year disqualification order, meaning he is banned from owning, keeping, dealing or transporting animals.
After sentencing, the RSPCA said it "shares the public's revulsion at this horrific incident".
"We'd like to thank the police for their investigation which enabled this person to be brought to court," a spokesperson added.
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk, external.