A Ballasalla man who beat a puppy with a frying pan could be facing a jail term in the UK.

John Bagster, 25, was living in Stamford in January last year when a neighbour spotted him hitting his German shepherd and Staffordshire bull terrier cross called Minty.

The puppy had suffered a pelvic fracture, broken hind leg and a swollen and bruised leg and stomach after being attacked, spun around in a shopping trolley and repeatedly punched.

Appearing at Grantham Magistrates Court, Bagster admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, physical assault and failing to provide veterinary care.

In July, he failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Bagster moved to Ballasalla and found work but is currently staying in the UK on conditional bail until he is sentenced.

Kevin McCole, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said police rescued the puppy, which was whimpering and cowering underneath a kitchen cupboard.

Magistrate Peter Bailey warned Bagster all sentencing options were open to the court – including the possibility of prison.

Since its rescue, the puppy has been re-homed and re-named.

Bagster will appear again next Thursday for sentencing.