A MAN who “punched and hit” two dogs has been banned from keeping animals.

Joshua Heard, 26, of Sicker Close, Newport, was sentenced to a two-year community order at the city’s magistrates’ court.

The defendant pleaded guilty to a number of offences following an alcohol-fuelled incident on June 29.

Heard admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, assault by beating, assaulting a police officer, criminal damage and a public order offence.

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He was banned from keeping animals for two years.

The defendant will have to wear a sobriety tag for the next 120 days after being made the subject of an alcohol abstinence and monitoring requirement.

Heard must also complete a 35-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £185 in compensation and costs.