A 13-year-old boy strangled a cat with a bungee cord.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, deliberately hurt the cat on Sunday May 1, in Orchard Drive, Meopham.

The teen, from Essex, was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

He was found guilty on October 4, and was due to be sentenced on November 15, but failed to turn up at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

His sentencing has now been adjourned to January 10.