Man jailed over kitten 'crush' video

A north London man has been jailed for his role in producing a video in which a kitten was killed by a woman wearing high heels.

Brian Patrick McCann, 47, from York Way, Kings Cross, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to publish obscene material.

He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday to nine months in prison.

Four people from Stoke-on-Trent, who made the video, were convicted of similar offences earlier this year.

McCann was found to have ordered the bizarre custom-made video over the Internet.

The video was described as "depraved"

Known as "crush" or "squish" videos, the fetishist practice has attracted the ire of animal rights campaigners, including actor Mickey Rooney.

Judge Nicholas Medowar QC described it as "plainly dreadful and depraved".

The judge said: "This type of material is to be discouraged and those who involve themselves in this filthy trade of animal cruelty and sexual depravity must expect to be treated seriously."

Clare Dobbin, defending, had said McCann should be treated in a psychiatric clinic instead of being sent to prison as he was extremely depressed when he ordered the video.

The judge said this was insufficient to avert a jail term.