West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has avoided jail but has been banned for five years from keeping animals.

This was after the French star pleaded guilty to kicking and slapping his pet cat.

The West Ham defender will also serve 180 hours of community service.

Zouma’s younger brother, Yoan, had uploaded the disturbing footage, and he also got his punishment of 140 hours of community service.

The former Chelsea star, who joined West Ham in 2021, admitted to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act at a hearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court on May 24.

The District judge, Susan Holdham, who described the incident as' disgraceful and reprehensible ’, took into consideration that the Zouma brothers had no prior offences and pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.

“The cat looked to you to care for its needs—on that date in February you did not provide for its needs,” she added.

“You must be aware that others look up to you and many young people aspire to emulate you.”