A MAN who stabbed a dog to death has been sent to a secure psychiatric unit to be assessed by doctors.

Santigo Taboada, 25, of Loyd Road, Didcot, used a samurai sword, metal bar and baseball bat to kill a terrier called Molly after the dog's owner refused to let him stay at his house.

At Oxford Crown Court today, Judge Julian Hall ordered Taboada to undergo a 12-week hospital order.

Sentencing was adjourned until May 9 pending the outcome of psychiatric and psychological assessments.