A BRYNMAWR scout leader who shot a kitten must pay its owner £470 compensation. David Knapp, of Heol Isaf, shot the pet with an airgun in his garden on August 30.

The kitten, Liquorice, owned by neighbour Jill Durham, later had to be put down because of its injuries.

Abertillery magistrates yesterday ordered Knapp, 44, to pay the compensation. He was also fined £200 with £40 prosecution costs after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Afterwards Mrs Durham, of King Street, Brynmawr, said the fine was too lenient. "He has got away with it. You can't just go around shooting animals."

She added Knapp should be "struck off" as a scout leader. Mrs Durham said her five-year-old daughter Leah was devastated by the kitten's death. The family now has two new kittens, Button and Zips.

Crown prosecutor Gareth James told the court Mrs Durham took the kitten to veterinary practice Cormie and Cormie after it became unwell and she felt a lump in its abdomen. It was decided the most humane treatment was to put the kitten to sleep.

Her veterinary fees and travel expenses amounted to £470. Christopher Greaves, mitigating, said Knapp had not intended to hit the kitten. Chairman of the bench, Ron Trace, said it was: "A very serious offence I would not expect of a person of your standing in the community."

*PICTURED: Leah Durham, five, with her two new kittens.