A MAN has appeared in court after he admitted to putting a cat in the washing machine in a Bradford property.

Robert Lay, of Heywood, Rochdale, committed the offence at an address in Queensbury last year.

He placed a black cat named Buddy into a washing machine on a wash cycle on February 11.

The 32-year-old admitted to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on October 26, 2023.

Lay was due to be sentenced at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court today (Thursday, January 4).

The hearing was adjourned as a pre-sentence report was still required.

Tony Birchall, defending, said Lay needed a capacity assessment before being sentenced, describing his client as vulnerable.

Mr Birchall added Lay lacks the capacity to understand the repercussions and consequences of his actions.

Louise Freeman, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA who brought the case to court, attended the hearing via a video link.

The magistrates decided that in the "interests of justice" a "meaningful adjournment" was appropriate.

Lay will continue to be on unconditional bail until the next hearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court on Monday, February 29.