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A man admitted chopping off the head of another man’s pet dog.

Paul Jenkins decapitated the tiny Shar Pei, which belonged to a man called Sean Smith, last November.

The 27-year-old was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court today but changed his pleas at the last minute.

Jenkins, of St Ives Grove, Old Swan , pleaded guilty to affray and causing Sean Smith to fear for his safety.

Jenkins also admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, while two further offences - possession of a blade and destroying property - were left to lie on file.

He was released on bail and will appear back in court for sentence next month.

Merseyside Police had previously said the decapitation offence was initially deemed as criminal damage because the dog was classed as property.

Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, “property” includes wild creatures which have been tamed or are ordinarily kept in captivity.

The charge was later amended to causing unnecessary suffering.