AN ISLE of Wight man who stood accused of punching and kicking a dog and swinging the animal around by its collar, has been found not guilty.

Elliott Hegarty, 37, of Fitzroy Street, Sandown, had always denied causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, on March 18, 2022.

He was cleared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court earlier this week, and a public order charge was withdrawn at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court yesterday (Friday).