A DRUNKEN youth who carried out a violent, frenzied attack on his pet collie was described as 'a monster' last week.

Aaron Brown seriously injured the animal after repeatedly punching and kicking it and throwing a knife at it.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court, Brown was ordered to be banned from keeping or taking charge of animals for 10 years.

Brown, 21, appeared for sentence after admitting causing the dog unnecessary suffering.

He also admitted assaulting his then girlfriend by slapping her and pushing a bunch of flowers in her face, placing her in a state of fear and alarm, as well as two charges of breach of the peace.

The offences happened on October 11 at his then girlfriend"s house - who cared for three children including one she and the accused had together - in Montrose Street, Drumry.

Fiscal Jeanette MacLean said the accused arrived at around 8pm.

She said: 'The accused had been drinking.' Words were exchanged because the dog - which belonged to Brown but was looked after by his girlfriend - had been hyperactive.

With also having the children to look after she told Brown she did not want to look after the animal.

The court heard that, with that Brown became aggressive and violent with the animal and began kicking and punching it.

Ms MacLean said: 'This lasted for several minutes and appears to have been a frenzied attack.

'He picked up a knife and went into the living room and the dog followed him and he kicked and punched it again, then threw the knife at it causing it injury.' Ms MacLean said Brown had bought a bunch of flowers for his girlfriend and he struck her on the face with them and slapped her and began shouting and swearing at her.

She said: 'The witness was fearful for her safety and tried to calm the accused down for approximately half an hour. She suggested that he should go to bed and eventually he did so and she called the police.' The fiscal depute said that the dog had five staples in its chest and had wounds to an eye, a leg and paw.

She asked for Brown to be ordered not to be allowed to keep animals.

Defence solicitor Brian McGuire said his client did not live at the house but made regular visits to see his child.

Mr McGuire added: '[They] both agree that the relationship is at an end although they remain good friends.

'He was very much attached to the dog which flies in the face of what the court has heard.' Mr McGuire added: 'He is embarrassed and ashamed.

'He realises he needs to stop drinking and that would stop him offending.' Sheriff William Dunlop told Brown, of 119 Dumbuck Crescent, Dumbarton: 'You are a monster.

'This was a savage attack on an innocent dog.

'I don"t put monsters on probation. The maximum sentence I can give you is twelve months but you will go to prison for six months back dated to October 12.

'You will also be barred from owning or keeping animals or taking charge of animals for ten years.'