CITY councillor Paul Shotton's appeal against his conviction of animal cruelty was due to be heard today.

The 47-year-old, of Smithpool Road, Fenton, and his wife Annette, aged 45, were given a two-year conditional discharge by magistrates last year after it was found they caused unnecessary suffering to the family dog. The couple were also banned from keeping animals for two years and told to pay the RSPCA's £3,000 costs.

The appeal against conviction and sentence is due to be heard at Stoke-in-Trent Crown Court.