A DAD attacked a schoolboy after he repeatedly bashed the family kitten's head against a wall, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how self employed John Kilgallon, 38, who has never been in trouble before, lost his temper and kicked the 15-year-old after his cruelty to the three month old animal.

The kitten survived the attack but Kilgallon, whose family was also said to have been previously taunted by the victim, has now found himself with a criminal record.

He admitted assault by beating, on January 25.

The defendant, of Conway Grove, Burnley, was given a six month conditional discharge. The bench chairman told Kilgallon: "We feel what you did wasn't acceptable but you had serious provocation and this did affect you greatly.".

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, told the court that after being told about the cat the defendant went to challenge some children in the area. He kicked the victim on the shin, causing bruises.

David Lawson, defending, said Kilgallon had previously spoken to the boy's parents and asked him to keep away from his family. The 15-year-old stayed in the area as if taunting the defendant .

Kilgallon came home from work and was told the 15-year-old had picked up the cat by the neck and repeatedly bashed its head against a wall.

Mr Lawson went on: "If that's not enough to make somebody lose their temper I don't know what is."