Forty-six-year-old Billy Ace has been charged by the RSPCA with causing unnecessary suffering and unlawful damage during a postal round in the city.

Geraint Vincent: "The postman faced a barrage of abuse from protestors"

Animal rights protestors gathered outside Swansea magistrates court to begin a well-planned demonstration on the day of Billy Ace's appearance.

The postman is alleged to have killed a three-year-old miniature Yorkshire terrier while delivering mail to this house in the Mumbles area of Swansea.

The hearing was adjourned until next month after defence lawyers asked for more time to prepare their case.

Mr Ace is expected to plead not guilty to the charges.

Hate mail

The Royal Mail earlier launched its own investigation, and confirmed that Mr Ace would not be disciplined, although he has been moved to another round.

A spokeswoman said: "We have made it clear to the dog's owners we regret very much the death of their pet, but dog attacks are a big problem for our staff."