A judge as banned a young Carlisle man from keeping animals for five years after he admitted repeatedly kicking and punching his dog - which he regarded as his best friend.

Kaine Moon Hardie, 24, admitted causing the dog - a rescue greyhound - unnecessary suffering.

The city's Rickergate court heard how the cruelty came to light thanks to off-duty police officer Christoper Brennand.

He had been driving past when he saw the defendant viciously attacking the dog on London Road on September 30.

First, the officer saw Hardie kicking the dog in his legs forcefully.

Then Hardie, of Forest Hill, Carlisle, delivered a second kick to the dog's ribs, causing it to help out in pain, said prosecutor John Moran.

Another witness, a woman pedestrian, intervened after seeing Hardie punching and kicking the dog, and dragging it along the pavement.

When police interviewed Hardie, he blamed his actions on drinking too much.

He told police he had been drinking vodka.

"It was a deliberate attempt to cause suffering by kicking and punching a dog in public," added Mr Moran.

John Cooper, for Hardie, said the defendant had owned the dog for two-and-a-half years.

"His mother works for a rescue shelter and that is how he got hold of the dog," said the lawyer.

"In those two and a half years, that dog has become his closest friend.. He is adamant that he has never done anything like this before."

Mr Cooper said the dog was regularly given veterinary treatment, and taken out on to the fells by Hardie.

He said that the dog went everywhere with the defendant, who could not recall mistreating the animal.

The lawyer pleaded with District Judge Gerald Chalk to let Hardie keep the dog. But Judge Chalk refused, telling Hardie: "This seems to have been gratuitous violence, committed in drink."

The judge imposed a 12 month community order, with 150 hours of unpaid work, £85 costs, and an £85 victim surcharge.

He banned Hardie from keeping any animal for five years. Nor will he be allowed to be in a position where he can control any animal.

The judge added: "I do not think that you are a fit and proper person to have that dog and its future would be far better away from you."