A VALLEYS man convicted of beating a lamb to death with his walking stick will be sentenced next month.

Bernard Pitt, 65, of Mount Pleasant Drive, Brynithel, was due to appear at Cwmbran Magistrates Court yesterday, but his counsel, Andrea Nash- Harding, submitted evidence to the court he was unable to attend as hewas ill in hospital.

He had denied two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, but was found guilty in December.

District judge Richard Williams adjourned sentencing until February 8 at Caerphilly Magistrates Court.