A dog owner has been sentenced to a 12-month community rehabilitation order for causing unnecessary suffering to his doberman.

Stephen Cooper's dog, Charlie, was discovered drastically underweight in his sister-in-law's rear yard, in Wimbledon Close, Darlington, in January 2002.

Yesterday's sentencing hearing was the 28th time the charge had appeared before Teesside Magistrates' Court.

Cooper, who still owns five dogs and two cats, had claimed the doberman had been in ill health when he picked it up from an animal rescue centre and was being appropriately cared for.

The 37-year-old, of West Terrace, New Marske, east Cleveland, was said to be addicted to caffeine and allowed to drink cans of cola throughout the hearing.

He was warned by District Judge Roger Elsey to stop interrupting the sentencing procedure or face a contempt charge.

He is currently receiving psychiatric help and is crippled by financial problems, with debts estimated at nearly £100,000, said his solicitor, Paul Watson.

Cooper, who intends appealing against the sentence, was also given a money payment supervision order.

Additionally, he received a conditional discharge for a public order offence committed in March last year.

RSPCA inspector Garry Palmer said he was shocked that Cooper was not banned from owning or looking after animals, despite his conviction.

Speaking after the hearing, he said: "I think the judge dealt with him very leniently.

"I am disappointed he was not disqualified from owning or looking after animals, especially after he was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog."

Mr Palmer added: "The dog is now fully recovered and is being looked after properly after being rehoused."