A Victorian teenager who put a seven-week-old kitten in a microwave, has been spared a fine and conviction after a magistrate found the boy had "no understanding" of the impact his actions would have on his life.
The 17-year-old from the state's north was charged with animal cruelty following the incident in January.
The kitten, which was owned by another family, received internal damage beyond repair and had to be put down the next day.
In a sentence hearing in the Magistrates' Court, the boy was given six months' probation after undergoing psychological assessment.
The court heard he had experienced underlying issues at the time of the crime, and had not understood the impact his behaviour would have on his life and reputation.
Accompanied by his father in court, the youth told the magistrate he had been "in and out" of school but hoped to finish his education.
"I've been attending distance education, I've been in and out of school, it's hard to explain," he said.
"I'm still engaging and I still want to graduate."
The magistrate described the act as "horrible" but did not hand down a conviction.
"I think that you totally regret what you did," he said.
"I'm certain you had no clear understanding of the impact this would have on your life.
"I am satisfied you're remorseful and this type of behaviour won't happen again."
