A cruel thug filmed himself throwing his ex-girlfriend’s cat against a wall and then sent the video to her, a court has been told.

In the horrifying footage, Brandon Mathews, from Canterbury, was seen picking the pet up by its neck before hurling it through the air.

The 25-year-old then shared the clip with his then-estranged partner in an apparent attempt to cause her distress.

He was later charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and sending an offensive message - namely the video - to his ex-girlfriend.

Mathews, of Suffolk Road, admitted both charges when he appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

District Judge William Nelson heard both incidents happened in Canterbury on December 5 last year.

Dylan Bradshaw, prosecuting, said: “It was deliberate throwing of a cat to distress the victim, his estranged partner.”

He argued the offence was so serious that Mathews, who has previous convictions, should be sentenced at a crown court.

But Judge Nelson decided the magistrates’ court could deal with the case and retained jurisdiction for the matter, while adding it could but still be sent to the crown court for sentence if necessary.

Sentencing was adjourned and Mathews was granted bail until his next hearing, which will be at Margate Magistrates’ Court on April 2.

It is understood the cat did not suffer any lasting serious injury.