A male nurse who kicked the family cat - which died of its injuries - has received a suspended prison sentence.

Defendant Paul Patton, 43, was also banned from keeping any animals for ten years.

Now his future as a nurse will be considered by his professional body.

Patton, of Morfa View in Bodelwyddan, had denied a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to Brody, a male ragdoll cat, in May of last year, and a trial was due to be held at Llandudno next week.

But the case was transferred to North East Wales Magistrates' Court at Mold this afternoon where he changed his plea and was sentenced.

The court heard how the cat had scratched him.

Patton kicked the cat three times, Tudur Owen, prosecuting for the RSPCA, explained.

The pet ran off and when the defendant later found the animal he tried to resuscitate it but it died.

District Judge Gwyn Jones said that the case did pass the custody threshold but imposed a ten week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

The judge said that he it would be inappropriate to impose requirements under the order.

He said that the defendant carried out extremely important work which should not be put in jeopardy.

But he added: "I understand that there may be other steps you have to face with regard to your own professional body in due course."

In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay £3,500 costs to the RSPCA with a £115 surcharge.

Patton was said to be under stress with his marriage breaking up at the time.

The judge said that he had considered a number of references which made it clear that he was extremely well regarded by people who knew him.

"This no doubt may have come as a great shock, bearing in mind your main occupation," the judge said.

The cat had died as a result of its injuries following blunt force used upon it.

"Significant force had been used," he said.

Patton accepted in his basis of plea that the boot was used, and that was a significant aggravating feature, the use of a weapon.

A full investigation was carried out by the RSPCA and a post mortem examination was held.

"This is a matter that could and should have been dealt with earlier,"

the judge said.

The defendant had initially pleaded not guilty but had indicated in the last few days that he intended to change his plea and admit his guilt.

"This was a deliberate and gratuitous use of unlawful force, causing suffering," he said.

"As a result of that harm was caused to the animal which led to its untimely death."

The judge said that the starting point for sentence was 18 weeks but warned the sentence could go up to 26 weeks.

But he had no previous convictions and he had shown remorse.

His previous exemplary conduct was well reflected in the letters of reference provided to the court.

The judge said that he took into account that the offence occurred at what was a difficult time for him.

"You were coming to terms with the break of a marriage," the judge said.

"That would no doubt have been an extremely stressful time for you."

Dafydd Roberts, defending, said that it was conceded that the case did pass the custody threshold but urged that in the circumstances that it be suspended.

In the basis of plea put forward by the defence, Patton accepted three kicks to the cat after he had been scratched to the hand and leg by the animal.

When he found the cat in a distressed state the defendant had tried to revive the animal but it had passed away.