A Torbay woman who microwaved a 10-week-old kitten to death has been found guilty of causing unnecessary cruelty to an animal.

Mother-of-two Gina Robins, 31, put the family pet in the oven in revenge after its owner, Sarah Knutton, reported her abusive partner to the police.

Torquay Magistrates' Court heard that Ms Knutton was able to hear a loud popping noise, followed by a loud "screeching" noise.

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Robins claimed the microwave was accidentally turned on by one of the cats. But Ms Knutton claimed the kittens were too small even to get on the work surface.

The court was told that when the kitten was examined, its claws were drawn, suggesting it had attempted to resist what was being done.