Nicola Collinson, 21, of Parkside Avenue, Winlaton, Gateshead, kicked and punched the black and white kitten as it wandered over to her in an area of the Cowgate estate, Newcastle, on January 6.

Gosforth Magistrates' Court heard how she picked the cat up, threw it in the air and drop-kicked it across the road as her friend filmed the ordeal on a mobile phone.

When the animal tried to escape she picked it up again and punched it repeatedly in the head. She then forwarded the clip via her mobile phone to several of her friends.

At an earlier hearing, Collinson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and admitted she was drunk at the time of the offence.

She also admitted kicking the cat, but said it was not her intention to hurt it.

Today, she was given a lifetime ban from keeping animals, a six month curfew order between 7pm and 7am, a 12-month community order with a supervision order for 12 months, and ordered to pay £120 costs.

Paul Oxnard, defending, said Collinson was thoroughly ashamed of her actions, in which alcohol had played a part.

RSPCA inspectors have been unable to trace the cat or its owners to find out if it survived.

After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Trevor Walker said: "This is an appalling case of deliberate and sadistic cruelty.

"The cat involved will have been caused unimaginable suffering for the sake of someone making a sickening video for their entertainment.

"The sentence passed reflects the serious nature of this incident, and serves to show that this kind of vile cruelty cannot and will not be tolerated."