A man could be caged after he sadistically killed a pet hamster called Beano by throwing it against a wall.

Sentence on Lewis Fox was adjourned for a probation report when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

The 22-year-old, formerly of Southsea Avenue, Minster, had admitted at Medway Magistrates’ Court in June causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between January 13, 2015 and November 7 last year.

Fox, now of Barrow Grove, Sittingbourne, also admitted engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in a family or intimate relationship between December 2015 and November last year.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said: “I have read the psychiatric report. It raises all sorts of troubling features.”

Daniel Stephenson, defending, referred to Fox’s “recreational drug use” and submitted there was “potential for success” if he was willing to engage with those providing treatment and assistance.

The judge replied: “That puts it a little high.”

Mr Stephenson added: “He accepts the animal cruelty offences, although he puts forward a different explanation.

"I have read the psychiatric report...it raises all sorts of troubling features" - Judge David Griffith-Jones

“In respect of controlling and coercive behaviour he accepts elements.

“He accepts sending messages, kicking her out of bed and putting his hands around her throat.

“The allegations were brought to the attention of the police as a result of his mother. She is concerned her son receives some help.”

Adjourning sentence to October 4, Judge Griffith-Jones said: “It seems to me very troubling issues emerge from the psychiatric report.

“The judge who is to pass sentence will be greatly assisted by the probation service input after considering the report and making an assessment of the current presentation.”

Continuing conditional bail, he warned Fox: “You should not assume anything as to what the sentence will be from the course I have taken today.”