Cat torture teen unable to read probation letter

A TEENAGER failed to turn up to probation because he was dyslexic and could not read his appointment letter, a court heard yesterday.

Mark Kane was supposed to see the probation service for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

The jobless 19-year-old had admitted putting a young tabby cat in a bag, forcing it to inhale cannabis and swinging it round his head like a lasso.

Sentencing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was adjourned after noting Kane had failed to attend probation appointments.

Tim Gregory, defending, said Kane suffers from emotional attachment disorder and dyslexia.

“It was unfortunate and regrettable that he did not attend probation,” he said.

“On the first occasion he was ill and the second time, he is dyslexic, and couldn’t read the letter.”

RSPCA prosecutor Clive McKeag said Kane had shown “total contempt” for the court case.

The attack — carried out at a house in South Shields on January 3 this year — was filmed on a friend’s mobile phone.

On the short video clip, a voice could be heard shouting: “This cat is getting stoned off its head” and “Get him stoned to f**k”.

Sentencing will take place on September 10.