A Drefach Felindre man has been handed a suspended jail sentence and banned from keeping animals for life after admitting twice assaulting a woman and causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs.

Ricky James Kenneth Harrison, of 52 Parc Puw, appeared for sentencing before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on 9 September.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing in August to the assault by beating of a woman in Newcastle Emlyn on 28 March and 16 April this year.

Harrison also pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs and a separate charge of failing to ensure their needs were met.

The court heard that Harrison caused unnecessary suffering to two bull breed dogs at his home address between 23 October and 16 November last year.

The court heard that Harrison “failed to adequately investigate and address weight loss and poor body condition” of both a male bull breed named Charlie and a female bull breed named Suki.

The court heard that the unnecessary suffering led to the death of one of the one dogs.

Magistrates sentenced Harrison to 12 months in in prison, suspended for 24 months.

Magistrates said the offences were “so serious that only a custodial sentenced could be justified” as the assault offences were domestic violence and the unnecessary suffering he cause led to the death of one of the dogs.

The sentence was suspended, the court heard, because Harrison had ‘limited’ previous convictions and “probation indicate a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

Harrison must also undergo rehabilitation as part of the suspended sentence order.

Harrison was also handed a lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping animals.

He must also pay prosecution costs of £400 as well as a surcharge to fund victim services of £187.