Justin Lee Collins “abused” his ex-girlfriend Anna Larke’s cat, a jury at St Albans Crown Court heard this week. The comedian and television presenter is accused of a wave of domestic abuse against his ex-partner, reports the Daily Mirror.

The jury of nine women and three men heard that the 38-year-old bought Ms Larke gifts including diamond earrings and a digital camera because he hit her cat. She explained, “He also abused my cat - animal abuser as well. I think he felt very guilty about that which is why he furnished me gifts.” In another example of Collins’ alleged behavior, Larke says he shouted at her and tore up a $20 bill when she refused to have a lap dance. She was said she was left terrified about Collins’ returning from a trip to Las Vegas because she had failed to attend one of two AA meetings which she had told him she would attend, saying, “I remember his ringing me and shouting abuse down the phone to me. I was petrified about him coming back. Absolutely petrified.”

Larke had already told the court how Justin pushed her in front of traffic during a night-out with fellow comedian Alan Carr.