A vicious and sadistic abuser from Devon killed a tiny chihuahua by smashing his head repeatedly against the walls in the lounge — then delivered the dog’s deceased and bloodied body to his former partner in a carrier bag.

Scott O’Shea, 51, of Longstone Road, Paignton, has been jailed and banned from keeping animals for life following an RSPCA investigation and prosecution.

Four-year-old Kilo suffered catastrophic skull fractures. Veterinary evidence indicated he did not die immediately, surviving for a period after the devastating injuries.

Newton Abbot Magistrates’ Court heard that O’Shea’s former partner had allowed him to remain in her home after their separation to prevent him becoming homeless.

On January 9, he made threats to her over the phone. When she returned, he ordered her to leave and prevented her from taking Kilo.

She went to a neighbouring friend’s home. Later that night, O’Shea arrived, knocked on the door and left a carrier bag on the doorstep.

“The dog’s in the bag,” he said, before walking away.

Inside was Kilo’s body, with obvious injuries to his head and body.

His former partner immediately called police. Officers found O’Shea in the lounge, where fresh blood stained the floor and walls.

X-rays, veterinary records and an RSPCA-arranged post-mortem examination revealed the extent of the violence inflicted on the small dog.

A veterinary surgeon identified the cause of death as extensive, catastrophic shattering of the skull. Brain swelling and bleeding provided evidence that death had not been instantaneous.

O’Shea pleaded guilty to failing to meet Kilo’s welfare needs by killing him in an inappropriate and inhumane manner.

He was already serving a three-year prison sentence at HMP Exeter for arson with recklessness and assaulting police officers at Torbay Hospital on March 1.

His lifetime animal ban follows a brutal killing that left a defenceless dog dead and his former partner discovering his remains on a doorstep.