Natasha Brown, 25, of Stanley, County Durham, was said to be 'full of alcohol and full of drugs' when she picked up her pet terrier and attacked it

A woman who killed her dog by punching it four times to the head after her ex-girlfriend spurned her advances has been spared jail.

Natasha Brown, 25, of Stanley, County Durham, was said to be 'full of alcohol and full of drugs' when she picked up her pet terrier and attacked it.

The animal was said to be 'screaming' and it went 'limp and lifeless', and despite efforts by vets to save it, it died after suffering a bleed on the brain.

After she attacked the small pet she then bit her former lover, who was not named in court, grabbed her by the throat, and then threatened and pushed over the woman's 82-year-old great uncle.

When she was interviewed later by police, she told them: 'I punched the dog because I couldn't punch my ex - I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt her.'

South Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard how the Brown, accompanied by her pet terrier, had met up with her ex-partner to discuss the return of some items.

The pair had gone to the home of her great uncle in Washington, Tyne and Wear.

Oriana Frame, prosecuting, said after Brown had consumed lager and a bottle of wine, she tried to kiss and cuddle her ex, who said no and asked her to leave.

The situation escalated and Brown became aggressive.

Reading from a statement by Brown's former partner, Ms Frame said they were in the sitting room trying to calm her down and Brown was threatening to smash the great uncle's phone if he called the police.

The statement went on: 'Her dog was sitting on the sofa, she picked up her dog and punched it four times to the head with force.

South Tyneside Magistrates' Court (pictured) heard how the Brown, accompanied by her pet terrier, had met up with her ex-partner to discuss the return of some items before she launched into the savage attack

'It was screaming. It went limp and lifeless.'

She said Brown then grabbed her ex by the throat and hit her head against the wall. She also bit her finger.

The statement said: 'I was trying to comfort the dog and (my great uncle) was telling her to get out and she clenched her fist and told said 'shut up or I will hit you as well'. Natasha pushed him in the chest causing him to fall back.'

Ms Frame said Brown's former partner managed to phone the police and when they arrived the dog appeared to be having a fit and was shaking uncontrollably.

It was taken to vets and was found to be suffering from a bleed on its brain and an injured leg. It died a short time later.

In his statement, the elderly man said at 82-years-old he couldn't stop the defendant and was frightened at what she would do next, during the incident on October 1.

Brown sobbed throughout the court hearing saying she was sorry.

She said: 'I hate myself more than anybody else could.'

Angus Westgarth, defending, said: 'I have no doubts at all that there is very, very deep regret.

'She is still torturing herself about what she did.'

He said she takes medication for mental health problems.

Mr Westgarth said following a cocktail of medication and alcohol his client has clearly snapped.

He said: 'Full of alcohol, full of drugs and she just absolutely snaps.'

Brown admitted two charges of assault and one of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

She was given a 24-week jail sentence, suspended for 24 months. She was also handed a two-year restraining order and ordered to pay £85 costs, and a £122 victim surcharge.