A TEENAGER who repeatedly kicked a pedigree dog has been banned by a court from keeping the animals for three years.

Christopher Lynch, 18, formerly of Belgrave Road, Tunbridge Wells, admitted ill-treating Shebe, a bichon friese, when he appeared before magistrates at Sevenoaks.

The attack happened while Lynch was walking his brother-in law’s dog in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, on March 10.

The borough council’s CCTV cameras caught Lynch kicking the dog and hanging it in the air by its lead. The incident was reported to the RSPCA.

Lynch was later traced after the footage was screened on BBC South East Today and a viewer identified him.

Magistrates banned Lynch from keeping dogs and ordered him to do 150 hours of community service within 12 months. He was also told to pay £250 towards prosecution costs.

Court chairman Roy Izatt told Lynch: “I hope this will give you some opportunity to learn and reflect.”

The court heard that Lynch, a former fairground worker now living on benefits, had shown remorse and was of previous good character.

The dog was examined by a vet who found she had not sustained any lasting injuries.

Brian Ferris, defending, said Lynch was now living in accommodation for adults needing support in North London.

Mr Ferris added: “He had fallen out with his brother-in-law and had been told he could not live there any more.” Lynch had taken out his anger against his brother-in-law by mistreating the dog.

After the incident, Lynch became remorseful, picked up the dog and cuddled it.

Mr Ferris said the CCTV footage had been shown on television and the publicity had made Lynch "very unpopular".