CONVICTED (2023) | Scott Birt, born c. 2002, of Poinsettia Way, Newent GL18 1LB – caught on CCTV kicking and punching his pet dog. Birt pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court after being filmed inflicting “appalling and unnecessary violence” on the dog. The thug was captured on CCTV while he was cycling with another man and the dog, named Hugo. Footage showed Hugo trailing behind, before Birt got off his bike. Hugo cowers down in fear, before Birt kicks him in the side of his head, causing him to fall backwards. He then punches the dog before holding him down to deliver further punches and standing on his lead so he is unable to flee. Hugo can now be rehomed following the conclusion of the RSPCA’s prosecution case against his vicious owner Speaking after the conclusion of the case, RSPCA inspector Jack Alderson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Birt inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on Hugo. “There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way.” Hugo went to a foster carer after being placed in the care of the RSPCA and will now be re-homed having been signed over in court. Sentencing | 100 hours of unpaid work. Seven-year ban on keeping animals but can appeal after four years (expires October 2030). BBC News GloucestershireLive