The trial of a Co Armagh man accused of bludgeoning a defenceless puppy to death with a hammer will begin in Craigavon Crown Court today (Tuesday).
Kyle Keegan, of Gilpins Manor, Lurgan is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a chihuahua crossbreed puppy, named Sparky, on February 3 last year.
The 23-year-old pleaded not guilty to the two charges against him when he appeared at Craigavon Crown Court back in November.
Previous courts have heard how the bloodied remains of the 12-week-old pup were uncovered in a bin in Ailsbury Park in Lurgan following a party at the property.
An initial post-mortem on the pup’s remains revealed how Sparky had sustained a number of fractures as well as severe brain trauma.
Stay with us for live updates throughout the trial.