A former Big Issue seller who repeatedly kicked a dog in the stomach after an argument with his then girlfriend has been ordered to take an anger management course.

Homeless Bryn Barrick, pictured, was convicted in March of animal cruelty towards a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross called Moby, which belongs to his ex-partner Setareh Campbell.

The attack happened on January 6 last year in Broad Street. Sitting at Oxford Magistrates' Court, chairman Brenda Ross also sentenced Barrick to a one-year community rehabilitation order and ordered him to pay £50 towards vets' bills.

The 35-year-old had earlier denied the charge, claiming that the dog suffered the injury after running into a gravestone.

But Kelly Magett, who works at Morton's sandwich shop in Broad Street, said she saw Barrick repeatedly kick the dog.

Vet Catherine Morrison, who examined Moby after the attack, said he seemed to have a pain in his stomach consistent with a blow by a foot, hand or blunt object.

Stuart Matthews, defending, said it was an impulsive one-off incident and Barrick loved dogs. He said Miss Campbell was happy for his client to continue seeing and walking Moby.

After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Doug Davidson said: "I think it is very constructive sentencing policy."