A heroic dog that was punched as it tried to save its owner from a life-threatening attack was so traumatised that it had to be put down, a court has heard.

Amanda Barbour told how the brave pet was punched several times as he tried to rescue her from one of Stephen Conway's regular attacks.

Conway, 37, of Fife, was convicted after subjecting two women to systematic abuse over a seven year period between 2010 and 2017 and endangering their lives by throttling them and beating them up.

Ms Barbour had revealed Enzo, the collie/staffordshire terrier cross, was so traumatised by one of the assaults that he had be put down.

"Enzo was trying to protect me," she said.

"Stephen threw him down onto the sofa and hit him several times.

"The dog would kick off and bark every time Stephen's name was mentioned.

"His personality changed and in the end the dog had to be put down."

At Perth Sheriff Court on Friday, Sheriff William Wood described Conway as "despicable" and sentenced him to four years and six months in jail.

Conway was also found guilty of repeatedly compressing Ms Barbour's neck, placing her in a headlock and threatening to kill her during the attacks.

He subjected her to a tirade of verbal abuse and trashed their home by punching doors and smashing fixtures.

A former partner of Conway's, Kim McLeish, told the jury how he stood over her with a kettle of boiling water and threatened to pour its contents on her.

Sheriff Wood imposed a five year non-harassment order on Conway and paid tribute to the remarkable bravery of his victims for speaking up against him.

He said: "Anyone who heard the trial could not fail to be moved by the courage of these ladies in coming forward to speak about your conduct.

"You were manipulative and controlling. Perhaps you selected these women because of their vulnerabilities or social isolation.

"You abused, victimised and preyed on them.

"Your conduct has been absolutely despicable.

"It can only be punished by a substantial custodial sentence."

He was cleared of one charge relating to an assault on a nine-year-old girl.