Cat bin dumper Mary Bale has been ordered to pay more than 1,400 for the infamous incident in which she locked a cat in a wheelie bin. The cat was trapped in the bin for 15 hours.

The incident branded her an international hate figure.

Bale appeared before magistrates in Coventry yesterday where she admitted causing unnecessary suffering to tabby cat Lola (photo above) by dumping her in a wheelie bin and shutting the lid.

She was caught on camera stroking Lola before picking her up by the scruff of her neck and putting her in the bin in Brays Lane, Stoke.

She was identified when Lolas owners Stephanie and Darryl Mann posted the video online. The video caused worldwide outrage after the Telegraph broke the story.

The RSPCA decided to charge Bale and the maximum penalty for the offence is six months in prison or a 20,000 fine.

But district judge Caroline Goulborn yesterday chose to fine Bale 250 and ban her from keeping animals for five years.

She was also ordered to pay costs in the case including fees paid to RSPCA investigators and vets which came to 1,171.04.

Judge Goulborn said: There is no excuse for what you did. This was an impulsive act that you cannot explain. In interview you said you were mortified, and I accept that this remorse is genuine.

The media interest in this case has resulted in you being vilified in some quarters and I have taken that into account.

Defending Bale, solicitor David Murray revealed she resigned from the job she had held for 27 years at Royal Bank of Scotland after the incident.

[SOURCE: coventrytelegraph.net]