The woman who got caught on CCTV throwing a cat into a wheelie bin has apologised for her actions.

The video of Mary Bale picking up someone else's pet by the scruff of the neck and dropping into the open bin has caused outrage after it appeared on YouTube.

As journalists confronted her on the streets, she released a statement to the press. It said: "I want to take this opportunity to apologise profusely for the upset and distress that my actions have caused. I cannot explain why I did this, it is completely out of character and I certainly did not intend to cause any distress to Lola or her owners. It was a split second of misjudgement that has got completely out of control.

"I am due to meet with the RSPCA and police to discuss this matter further and will co-operate fully with their investigations.

"I wish to reiterate that I am profoundly sorry for my actions and wish to resolve this matter to everyone's satifaction as soon as possible."

Lola the cat was trapped in the closed bin for 15 hours but she is now in good shape after being rescued by her owner Darryl Mann.