A man who was involved in killing a pig and had thousands of images and videos of animal fights has received a suspended prison sentence.

Humza Saleem, 23, from Belgrave Road in Hounslow, was under investigation for several animal cruelty offences after a pig was found dead at a field off Elstree Hill South, near Elstree Hill roundabout on January 16 this year.

At the time, officers found a pig which they believed had suffered multiple stab wounds, but police later discovered it was in fact a dog that caused it to die.

The attack was the second attack in the area, and a black designer wallet found at the scene was traced back to Saleem.

During the investigation, Saleem’s phone had thousands of images and videos saved depicting animal fights, foxes and pigs being killed by dogs and dogs of a banned breed being trained on a treadmill.

He originally pleaded not guilty to a number of animal cruelty offences, but changed his plea on September 3.

He was sentenced to 23 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for two years, for two counts of causing an animal fight to take place, two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, criminal damage four counts of keeping an animal to use for animal fights and owning a prohibited Pitbull type dog.

Saleem has also been banned from owning animals for life and a destruction order was issued for his dog.

He was also ordered to pay £1,584 in kenneling costs to Hertfordshire Constabulary and £128 to the owner of the pig killed by Saleem’s dog.

ROST Sergeant Ryan Hemmings, who oversaw the operation, said: “This investigation uncovered some of the most disturbing animal cruelty offences I have ever come across.

“I would like to thank everyone involved with the investigation for working under some very upsetting circumstances to get this dangerous individual exposed and banned from keeping animals.

“Our work continues to trace others who are believed to be involved in this sickening criminal network. If you have any information which may assist, please contact police directly. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, to give information anonymously.”

Ashley Petchey, senior crown prosecutor, said: “This case demonstrates the lengths to which offenders will cause animal fights to take place, regardless of the risks to themselves, their animals and others in the wider community.

"The CPS worked closely with the police to build a strong case against Humza Saleem and we would like to thank Hertfordshire police for their diligence and hard work during the investigation.

“We will continue to collaborate with the police to bring offenders of these disturbing crimes to justice.”