A ‘TERRORISED’ collie who tried to lick her tormentor as she was being attacked has found a new home for Christmas and her abuser has been sentenced.

Upsetting video footage showed Andrew Ripley in his garden with his hands around Bex the collie dog’s neck, face and muzzle.

He is shaking her and twisting her skin while talking to her in a low voice.

All the time Ripley is abusing the dog, she is crying and trying to lick him.

Ripley, of Gallows Hill Drive in Ripon, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Bex by causing her fear and distress.

The 56-year-old was sentenced to a lifetime ban on keeping animals except bovines; a 12-month community order including 150-hours of unpaid work and 30-days rehabilitation.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £450 and an £85 victim surcharge.

RSPCA inspector Carol Neale said: “This poor dog was absolutely terrorised by Ripley.

“It’s clear to anyone that she is extremely frightened during the incident captured in the footage on May 29.

“She even tries to lick Ripley’s face in what seems to be an appeal for him to stop hurting her.

“It’s very upsetting to watch.”

Staff at RSPCA York & District Branch have worked hard with Bex over the months since, bringing in a specialist dog behaviourist to help her.

Insp Neale said: “I’ve never seen a more emotionally scarred dog, she was so traumatised.”

Bex was signed over to the RSPCA at a previous court hearing in November and thankfully she has a happy ending after finding a loving home with a new family.

Insp Neale said she was “ecstatic”, adding: “She’s got a new name - Jess - and has been given the best Christmas present ever, a wonderful new start.”