A SPURNED dad-of-two who tortured and slaughtered his ex-partner’s pet rabbits in revenge after she dumped him was given 18 months supervision.

Clifford John Whitbread, 31, branded “sick” by his victim Sarah Roberts, had twisted the heads of the two baby animals in front of a child as his former girlfriend had a lunchtime nap at her Waterfoot home.

The female rabbit was still twitching so he “finished it off” by smashing it over the head with a half- brick, Burnley magistrates had heard.

The bench had been told how the “brutal” killing was seen by a neighbour’s horrified grandchild.

Whitbread had been kicked out by Miss Roberts, mother of his 16-month-old child, three days before.

He was then said to have tried to take his life and had threatened to kill her and the rabbits.

The defendant had taken a cocktail of drink and drugs before he attacked the family pets.

Whitbread, of Fairfield Avenue, Edgeside, Waterfoot, had admitted criminal damage and possessing amphetamine.

He was also put on an eight-month restraining order banning contact with Miss Roberts, except through solicitors, and must observe a one-month curfew, between 7pm and 7am. He was ordered to pay £65 costs.

The court had been told Miss Roberts threw the defendant out on September 17 because, she would say, he had a serious alcohol problem and there were issues over verbal and physical abuse when he was drunk.

On September 20, the victim went to bed between 11.30am and 2.30pm after a sleepless night with her toddler.

When she woke up, she noticed the rabbit run and hutch outside had been moved. She went outside.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, had earlier told the hearing she was confronted by blood all over the ground and found her two white rabbits dead, with blood coming from their noses and mouths.

Her neighbour said her grandchild had told her a man had killed the rabbits. Whitbread had been seen leaving the property.

The prosecutor said at the time the defendant was staying with his sister and she made a statement saying he had been constantly drunk, had attempted suicide by taking too many anti-depressants, had said he hated Miss Roberts, and had threatened to kill her and the rabbits.

After the animals were killed, she found a blood-stained jacket.

She also discovered a black bin liner containing 13.2grams of amphetamine.

Whitbread was question-ed by police and said he had had a lot to drink and 10 lines of cocaine.

He said he remembered going to the victim’s home, but said she had not been in.

The court was told Whitbread owned up to killing the rabbits, but said he didn’t know why.

He admitted it had been cruel and selfish.

Graeme Tindall, for Whitbread, told the court he was thoroughly disgusted and ashamed of himself and knew his behaviour had not been justified.

He said: “He is dreadfully sorry and regretful for his actions.”