ALCOHOL consumed by two Teignmouth teenagers who put a cat through physical and mental torture played a significant part in the offence, Jan Gant, chairman of South Devon Youth Court, Newton Abbot, told them on Wednesday.

Giving the 17-year-olds a 12-month youth rehabilitation order for causing the animal unnecessary suffering, Mrs Gant said a number of offences with the underaged involved drinking.

'People do things they would not dream of doing normally and many are shocked of what they are capable of when under the influence of alcohol,' she said.

Passing sentence. she said part of the order would involve carrying out work without payment, some of which would benefit the RSPCA. It would also include supervision requirements from a youth offending team officer, and activity requirements for 90 days.

'This has been a very unpleasant, nasty, distressing event and it has generated quite a lot of publicity.

'You have both shown a great deal of remorse and your families have been supportive.

'I am impressed to hear that you are tackling your alcohol consumption. I am quite sure you will never do anything like this again,' she added.

No order was made for costs and neither was disqualified from keeping animals – both families have pets.

Last month, magistrates heard how Roxy, a grey and white cat, spent 20 seconds in a microwave oven, was bounced around in a tumble drier, put in a deep freeze and then dunked in water.

One of the teenagers who filmed the episode on a mobile phone had pleaded not guilty, the case was found proved, and the other admitted the offence.

The matter against both had been adjourned for an all options report.

In November, an adult, said by the prosecution and defence to be principally involved in the affair, pleaded guilty and was sent to prison for 18 weeks.

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, John Wyatt said that by November the costs involved in dealing with the adult and two youths were approaching £3,000, and since then there had been a trial.

For the two, Simon Colman said the incident was out of character and unlikely to happen again.

'They are from families who are pet loving families,' said Mr Colman.

After the hearing, Mr Wyatt said that bringing the prosecution, along with the not guilty trial, had cost the RSPCA around £5,000.

RSPCA inspector Jim Farr said that while he wanted to see the pair punished for their misdemeanour he hoped they would not reoffend.

'Hopefully these two have learned their lesson and it has put them back on the right track for the rest of their lives,' said Mr Farr.