DOG killer Ebony Eve will not be sent to prison and is to remain in a secure psychiatric unit after the court heard she has severe mental health issues.

The 27-year-old, of Frobrisher Drive, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Friday via video link from the unit in Bristol.

Her sentencing had been adjourned on a number of occasions while reports on her state of mind and health were written.

And having read the findings magistrates decided the best place for her, and to protect the public, would be to stay at the mental health hospital facility where she is receiving help.

She pleaded guilty earlier this year to killing her Shar Pei dog called Nettles by stabbing it 20 times before hitting it over the head with a hammer on Valentine's Day.

She has been in custody since then and later transferred through the Mental Health Act to the medium secure unit, run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

Nick Barr, prosecuting, told the magistrates: "You have before you two individual psychiatric reports.

"A guilty plea by this lady back in February to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog. The dog belonged to her.

"Police received a call from this lady's brother saying his sister had stabbed the dog.

"When officers arrived the dog was dead and covered by a coat.

"In her interview she said everything in her head was back to front and upside down.

"The dog was recovered from the scene. Throughout the interview she appeared confused.

"She said she used a knife to stab it about 20 times and used a hammer to hit it."

Mark Glendenning, defending, said Eve had been given a diagnosis of schizophrenia and was making progress since being in the unit.

He added: "She pleaded guilty on February 16.

"She regrets her actions clearly. She accepted her responsibility at the very first hearing."

Chairman of the bench Felicity Dowell said: "Miss Eve we have read the two reports from the psychiatrists and we feel what they are recommending is the most sensible option.

"Therefore in all circumstances you are going to continue with the hospital order where you are now and you will remain there and you will get the treatment you need there.

"You will stay in hospital as long as it takes depending on how you respond to the treatment.

"We are not making any costs because of your situation nor are we awarding a victim surcharge."

She added: "Miss Eve we are not making a further order regarding animals here today."