Brothers jailed for 'torturing' a hedgehog to death by kicking it like a football

Two brothers who kicked a hedgehog to death have been jailed for six weeks.

CCTV footage showed Christopher Hoar, 31, and his brother Adam, 23, repeatedly kicking the animal like a football.

According to the RSPCA the men kicked the hedgehog about five times each and "with such force it was propelled into the air".

The pair admitted inflicting unnecessary suffering contrary to the Wild Mammals Protection Act at a hearing at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, County Durham.

District Judge Kristina Harrison said jailing the pair "sends out a message" about animal cruelty cases.

Adam Hoar, of Malvern Crescent, Seaham and Christopher Hoar, of Woods Terrace, Murton, were also made to pay £250 compensation each.