A man was apparently so resentful of his ex-girlfriend's love for her hamster that he deliberately set the rodent free.

According to the Daily Mail, 30-year-old Andrew Walsh was angry at the "emotional bond" ex-girlfriend Julie Hanson had with Harry the hamster.

Seeking revenge, Walsh broke into her house in Blackpool, stole a TV and released the animal from its cage.

When Hanson returned home the next day to find her pet missing, she was "very upset".

Tracy Yates, who was prosecuting at Blackpool Magistrates' Court, said: "Walsh had repeatedly asked Julie Hanson to re-kindle their relationship.

"When he saw her at bingo she told him she was to stay at her mum's that night. The next day she found her front door broken in and the door to her hamster's cage was open.

"The hamster was missing and it is the Crown's case that Walsh was very much aware that she loved the hamster and had a string emotional tie to the animal which Walsh did not like."

Walsh reportedly told police when he was arrested that he had opened the cage door to give the hamster his freedom.

Harry the hamster was subsequently discovered safe and well in the house hiding under a rug.

Meanwhile, Walsh admitted to burglary and was ordered to do 150 hours' unpaid work, and pay Â£85 costs and Â£60 victim surcharge.

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