A NURSE who kicked the family cat – which died of its injuries – has received a suspended prison sentence.

Paul Patton, 43, was also banned from keeping any animals for a decade.

Patton had denied a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to Brody, a male ragdoll cat, in May of last year, but changed his plea and pleaded guilty at a hearing at North East Wales Magistrates Court.

The cat had scratched Patton who kicked the animal three times, Tudur Owen, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told the Mold court.

The pet ran off and when Patton later found the animal he tried to resuscitate it but it died.

District judge Gwyn Jones said that the case did pass the custody threshold but imposed a 10-week prison sentence suspended for a year.

In addition Patton was ordered to pay £3,500 costs to the RSPCA with a £115 surcharge.

Patton was said to be under stress with his marriage breaking up at the time.

The judge said that he had considered a number of references which made it clear that he was extremely well regarded by people who knew him.

"This no doubt may have come as a great shock, bearing in mind your main occupation," the judge said.

The cat had died as a result of its injuries following blunt force used upon it.

"Significant force had been used," he said.

Patton, of Morfa View in Bodelwyddan, accepted in his basis of plea that the boot was used, and that was a significant aggravating feature, the use of a weapon.

A full investigation was carried out by the RSPCA and a post-mortem examination was held.

"This is a matter that could and should have been dealt with earlier," the judge said.

"This was a deliberate and gratuitous use of unlawful force, causing suffering," he said.

"As a result of that harm was caused to the animal which led to its untimely death."

The judge said the starting point for sentence was 18 weeks but Patton had no previous convictions and had shown remorse.

His previous exemplary conduct was well reflected in the letters of reference provided to the court.

The judge said he took into account that the offence occurred at what was a difficult time for him.

"You were coming to terms with the break of a marriage," the judge said.

"That would no doubt have been an extremely stressful time for you."

Dafydd Roberts, defending, said it was conceded the case did pass the custody threshold but urged that in the circumstances the sentence be suspended.

In the basis of plea put forward by the defence, Patton accepted three kicks to the cat after he had been scratched to the hand and leg by the animal.

When he found the cat in a distressed state Patton had tried to revive the animal but it had passed away.