A couple who beat a dog to death and threw it from a fifth-floor balcony have been released from jail after eight days behind bars.

Sheena and Alexander Spence, from West Bromwich, were sentenced to 12 weeks after being convicted of killing Scottish terrier Laddie they were looking after for a dying pensioner. 

But the pair appealed, claiming the penalty was too stiff and a judge changed the sentence to 10 weeks, suspended for a year. They were immediately released from prison, and the lifetime ban on keeping animals has been reduced to a year.

Laddie belonged to 86-year-old Nancy Howells, who employed Mrs Spence as a cleaner for 12 years.

Mrs Howells, of Winchester Road, West Bromwich, had been taken to hospital at the time and died weeks later, without knowing about her pet’s suffering. 

Her daughter-in-law Angela Howells said the family were shocked by the news. “The judge said at the time that with the new sentencing guidelines that came into force this month that the starting point is custody for killing an animal,” she said. “It doesn’t seem like justice at all. To be out so soon is amazing.”

Neighbours near Wyndmill Crescent, Charlemont Farm, said the couple returned after the hearing on August 14 but have not been seen for several days.

The pair had pleaded guilty to failing to take reasonable steps to protect the dog, as well as causing unnecessary suffering. 

The couple could be set to lose their council-owned flat where the tragedy happened. Sandwell Homes says it is liaising with Sandwell Council’s legal section as to what action it can take.