Warning: This video contains disturbing images.

A video of an Essex man violently beating his girlfriend’s dog because he ‘had an argument with her’ has helped secure a prosecution.

Besmur Idrizi, 27, of Princess Margeret Road in East Tilbury, attacked Sugar, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, in a lift in a block of flats in Grays.

Sugar was left with severe bruising and blood shot eyes.

The RSPCA began investigating when a CCTV operator saw the attack – which happened in March last year - and referred the footage to them.

During the trial Idrizi told the court, via an interpreter, that he had had an argument with his girlfriend and was angry.

He has been banned from ever owning animals again. Credit: RSPCA.

“Clearly, this is no excuse for treating these dogs like this. There is absolutely no reason to ever treat a dog - or any other animal - with such aggression or violence. It is completely unjustifiable.” Inspector Adam Jones, RSPCA

Idrizi was sentenced to 20-weeks in prison and a £300 fine at Basildon Magistrates’ Court. He has also been banned from ever owning animals again.