A dog-owner could face a year behind bars after stabbing his own pet during a drunken row with his wife.

Joel Patterson, from the Patmore Estate, Battersea, admitted wounding his Staffordshire bull terrier, Missy, during the row with wife Emily Stewart on December 15.

The 34-year-old, who could be jailed for 51 weeks, stabbed Missy several times, leaving her with wounds to the right eye and shoulder which required stitches.

The court heard the dog was barking and growling while trying to protect Mrs Stewart from Patterson's "aggressive drunken behaviour".

In response, Patterson grabbed a seven-inch kitchen knife and started swinging the weapon around - then attacked Missy, cutting the dog's right eye and slicing open her left shoulder.

Mrs Stewart called the RSPCA and Missy needed a number of stitches. She was later taken to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Patterson, who has since moved to Prentis Road in Streatham, admitted being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the cruel attack.

The defendant, appearing at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on March 27, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Under sentencing guidelines, he may face fines of up to £20,000, a maximum jail term of 51 weeks and a lifetime ban on keeping pets.

Patterson, who has since been released on bail, will be sentenced at Lavender Hill on April 17.