AN ARREST warrant has been issued for a man who beat a puppy to death in his Hendon home after he failed to appear at court today.

Andrew Ajimoko, 29, was due to be sentenced at Hendon Magistrates Court today for killing the five-month-old dog with a blunt object then dumping its body in a bin.

However, he failed to appear after being warned he may face a custodial sentence for the crime, and magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

The court was told he had also missed two probation meetings since his last appearance on September 19, when his sentencing was delayed because postal strikes had delayed key documents.

He admitted killing the puppy at his then home in Glebe Crescent at a hearing on August 20, and the court heard how it had suffered “substantial injuries”, including haemorrhaging in the skull, a swollen face and massive bruising.

Bail conditions on Ajimoko, who now lives in Neasden, mean no dog can be in his care, custody or control.

Ajimoko was on a conditional discharge for possession of class C drugs when he attacked his pet.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact Barnet Police on 0300 123 1212.