The court heard how Glenn had no recollection of the incident as he had been drinking and taking Valium that evening.

Prosecutor Aled Watkins said Glenn woke up a number of local residents by shouting and screaming following an argument with his girlfriend before to carrying out the attack at 12.30am on May 13 of this year.

Joanne Finley, a resident on Aubrey Road, Tonypandy, said she heard the ferret squeal when she saw Glenn kick it up in the air from her bedroom window.

In her statement to the RSPCA, she added she felt “sick” after seeing Glenn stamp on it for four to five minutes before stopping.

Mr Watkins added: “When he (Glenn) was interviewed he said he had no recollection of the night.

“He said he had been drinking and taking Valium.

“The owners of the ferret spoke to him and he apologised and promised them a new ferret.”

The prosecutor said the owner of the ferret, 13-year-old Kieran Honeyfield, was distraught after learning his pet had been killed.

Glenn, of Twyn Gwyn, Tonypandy, was tried and convicted in his absence when he failed to turn up at court on time for his morning hearing. When he finally arrived shortly before midday, he apologised for sleeping late.

After speaking to duty solicitor John Griffiths, he admitted the charge.

Mr Griffiths said: “Mr Glenn is clearly a very troubled young man.

“He has had significant problems in terms of his mental health and that has led to periods of hospitalisation.

“It appears he suffered from problems on the night in question.”

The court Glenn had previously been given a custodial sentence in 2004 at Merthyr Crown Court after being convicted of assault.

Gary Pugh, chairman of the magistrates, said: “This offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.

“This was a sickening act, causing great suffering and death to a ferret by stamping on it over a lengthy period of time.

“This also caused great distress to the owner of the ferret and neighbours who witnessed the incident.”

In addition to passing a custodial sentence, Mr Pugh also banned Glenn from keeping animals for 10 years.

Outside court, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben said: “It is such a serious offence that I’m pleased with the outcome but at the same time a much-loved family pet has been killed in an horrific manner.

“A 10-year ban is quite justified. I think it sends out a strong message to people who are drunk and under the influence of drugs, that it is no excuse for any crime, let alone animal cruelty.”

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