Tag Archives: South Tyneside

Cats, Dogs, Multiple Species, Serial Animal Abusers

South Shields, Tyne and Wear: Bryan Owens and Katrina Elstob

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CONVICTED (2024) | Bryan Owens and previous offender Katrina Bernadette Elstob of 48 Fox Avenue, South Shields NE34 9RN – failed to address their pets’ health conditions and weight loss.

RSPCA prosecution of South Shields couple Katrina Elstob and Bryan Owens in relation to a dog called Jack and a cat called Jess.

Elstob, who was previously banned from owning animals, and partner Bryan Owens admitted cruelty to an elderly Jack Russell called Jack and a cat named Jess. Jack was in poor bodily condition, suffering skin inflammation and dental disease and was infested with fleas, while Jess had an untreated skin condition.

RSPCA Inspector Trevor Walker visited the couple in September 2023 and was immediately concerned about the poor condition of Jack and Jess.

RSPCA prosecution of South Shields couple Katrina Elstob and Bryan Owens in relation to a dog called Jack and a cat called Jess.
Jack was dehydrated after being denied water and had a number of untreated health conditions

In his witness statement he said: “I observed an aged and very lean, Jack Russell Terrier type dog, that would have been described as tri-coloured at one stage, but now appeared more yellow possibly due to a heavy flea burden and his age.

“The cat, a medium long haired brown cat appeared in better condition, but once I had picked him up I could feel the very scabby skin under his medium long haired coat.”

RSPCA Inspector Walker transported Jack and Jess to a vet for further examination.

RSPCA prosecution of South Shields couple Katrina Elstob and Bryan Owens in relation to a dog called Jack and a cat called Jess.
Jess had a severe skin condition, which had not been addressed by her cruel owners

Inspector Walker continued in his witness statement: “Arriving at the door to the vet’s surgery, I noticed [Jack] was lapping the rain water that had collected on the top of the drainage cover, indicating that he was dehydrated.

“This condition was confirmed inside the consultation room when he drank from a bowl of fresh water for an entire minute, before it was removed.”

The vet said in their witness statement about Jack the dog: “There were four main concerns which included a very poor body condition score, which would have likely been present for at least a few months, a heavy flea infestation, secondary skin inflammation and severe dental disease.

“Based on the examination and the further test results; Jack had experienced unnecessary and avoidable suffering.”

Following the case, Jack and Jess were officially signed over to the care of RSPCA, where staff will now look to find them both loving new homes.

Sentencing |
Elstob – ordered to pay a fine of £164, a £66 victim surcharge and £250 in costs.
Owens -ordered to pay a fine of £80, a £32 victim surcharge and £250 in costs.
Both were given a seven year ban on owning all animals, with no appeal for five years (expires April 2031).

Shields Gazette

Dogs

South Shields, Tyne and Wear: Paul Georgeson

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CONVICTED (2024) | Paul Georgeson, born c. 1982, of Devonshire Street, South Shields NE33 5SU – for the neglect of an elderly dog found covered in fleas and scabs.

RSPCA prosecution of dog abuser Paul Georgeson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Image: Paul Georgeson - Facebook

Georgeson failed to ensure veterinary treatment was provided for the 13-year-old Staffy known as Zeus, who was suffering from a skin condition and ear inflammation.

As well as neglecting to provide parasitic control, Georgeson had failed to look into Zeus’s weight loss.

The court heard that in August 2023, RSPCA Inspector Helen Nedley visited Georgeson’s property after animal welfare concerns were raised.

RSPCA prosecution of dog abuser Paul Georgeson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Image of victim Zeus: RSPCA

In a witness statement, she said: “Mr Georgeson opened the back door to the property and let the dog, Zeus, into the back yard. The dog was in poor body condition and was narrow behind the ribs.

“The dog was dirty and covered with live fleas and scabs … (he) had misshapen ears and one looked to be thickened. The dog had long claws, and was repeatedly scratching himself.”

RSPCA prosecution of dog abuser Paul Georgeson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Image of victim Zeus: RSPCA

In another witness statement, a vet who assessed Zeus – who was taken into RSPCA care – said he had a “severe flea infestation” and was “constantly shaking/scratching”. She said his skin was thickened and scabby and sore.

Zeus was treated for fleas and worms, and given anti-inflammatories to help with his itchy skin.

RSPCA prosecution of dog abuser Paul Georgeson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Image: Paul Georgeson - Facebook

In mitigation, the court heard that Georgeson was overrun with animals and was struggling to cope and was no longer capable of looking after them.

Magistrates heard that he no longer had any animals and he was remorseful for Zeus’s body condition.

Sentencing | ordered to pay a total of £978 in fine and costs. Five-year disqualification order on keeping all animals (expires March 2029).

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Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

South Shields, Tyne and Wear: Casey Bell

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CONVICTED (2023) | serial domestic abuser Casey Bell, born c. 1993, of no fixed abode but with strong links to South Shields and Harrow, South Tyneside – targeted his former partner’s dog during campaign of domestic violence.

Casey Bell, South Shields woman beater and animal abuser

Bell was already subject to a restraining order after a previous offence against the woman when he urinated on her bed , telling her: “You are not going to have anyone else sleeping in this bed again”.

As the woman tried to remove the covers, she felt blows raining down on her head. Bell then stood on the bed, held the headboard and started stamping on her head repeatedly, then on her stomach.

A court heard he also hit her dog when he tried to protect her.

He then armed himself with scissors and threw a pint glass at her, which deflected from her arm and smashed against the wall.

The woman feared he was going to kill her.

Bell also smashed her phone then stole £210, her bike and house key.

In a victim impact statement, she said she had been left with bruising to her arms, stomach and all over her body. She added: “It’s getting to the point where I’m really scared for my safety.

“He hit my dog while it was trying to protect me. I’m scared of him, I thought I would be killed during the attack. I wish him no harm, only to be happy and healthy but away from me.”

Bell, who has 74 previous convictions, including breaching the restraining order, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, harassment, theft and criminal damage and was jailed for three years.

He was not prosecuted for animal cruelty.

The court heard in mitigation that Bell had a difficult childhood and has poor mental health.

Sentencing | three-year custodial.

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Dogs, Lifers, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

South Shields, Tyne and Wear: Stuart Eunson

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CONVICTED (2023) | serial animal abuser Stuart Eunson, born 12 February 1982, of Lucock Street, South Shields NE34 0NQ – neglected a dog found underweight, covered in faeces, with crusty eyes, leg and rib injuries and a severe skin condition.

Serial animal abuser Stuart Eunson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Picture: Facebook

Eunson was given a 10-year ban on keeping animals in 2020 in relation to another neglected Staffy. This followed a three-year ban imposed in 2018, which he had also breached.

In July 2022 the RSPCA received a tip-off that Eunson was keeping a dog at his home.

Neglected Staffy Rebel was traumatised in the care of serial animal abuser Stuart Eunson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Picture: RSPCA
Neglected Staffy Rebel was traumatised in the care of serial animal abuser Stuart Eunson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Picture: RSPCA

RSPCA inspector Rowena Proctor said: “When I visited Eunson’s home … [he] appeared at the door holding a white Staffordshire bull terrier which he handed over to me. The poor dog’s eyes were crusted closed, he smelled terrible and despite having a white coat, his legs were dark brown with what looked like faeces.

Serial animal abuser Stuart Eunson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Picture: Facebook

“Eunson confirmed that he understood that he was banned from keeping animals and while he allowed me to take the Staffie – called Rebel – to the vet, he refused to acknowledge the dog was his or to sign him over.”

The examining vet reported that Rebel had arrived in a very anxious and agitated state. He was underweight, had eye and ear infections as well as itchy, inflamed skin and a sore ribcage.

His skin and cat were soiled with faeces, he had overgrown nails and he was lame from a previous injury to his left forelimb.

Neglected Staffy Rebel was traumatised in the care of serial animal abuser Stuart Eunson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Picture: RSPCA

The vet concluded that the lameness following the injury to the left forelimb; the itchiness; the eyelid changes and the head shaking and ear rubbing along with the unsettled behaviour would have been a cause of distress to the animal and should have alerted the owner to Rebel’s poor health. It was the vet’s opinion that by failing to protect his dog from pain, suffering, injury and disease – which would have included seeking vet care for the dog – Eunson allowed Rebel to unnecessarily suffer.

Serial animal abuser Stuart Eunson from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. Picture: Facebook

Inspector Proctor said: “Not only did Eunson disobey court-imposed bans on keeping animals, but during this most recent incident, while it was still illegal for him to have a dog, he was keeping and clearly neglecting Rebel”.

Sentencing | 18-month community order, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 19 ‘Thinking Skills’ sessions. Lifetime ban on owning animals.

Shields Gazette
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Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

South Shields, Tyne and Wear: Shanon Davidson

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CONVICTED (2022) | Shanon Davidson, born 13 November 1999, of Hatfield Square, South Shields NE33 2RD – locked a young dog in a cage and left him to starve to death.

Dog killer Shannon Davidson

RSPCA investigators found the maggot-riddled remains of bloodhound/foxhound crossbreed Milo after being tipped off by neighbours who had noticed a fly infestation and foul smell coming from Davidson’s home.

Victim Milo

Davidson had travelled to Reading for a job opportunity while the one-year-old dog lay dead in his cage.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Zoe Passfield told Davidson Milo’s messy death was “truly appalling” and that she “let it rot.”

Judge Passfield said: “I accept that at the time of these offenses you were struggling with your mental health and felt helpless and that the harm you caused Milo was not intentional or callous.

“However, he was a 12-month-old dog, essentially a puppy, and was completely dependent on you for food, water and veterinary care. You have not met these requirements.

“The most appalling part of your behaviour happened after he died when you walked away leaving him alone and dead in a cage until your neighbours had to call the RSPCA.

“It is truly horrific and has had a lasting impact on the experienced RSPCA officers who found him.”

RSPCA prosecutor Alex Bousfield revealed that charity staff had asked Davidson to sign Milo with them during a visit in March 2022, but she had refused. They had found the animal in good health, but in a cage indoors with no food or water.

Mr Bousfield said: “It’s a case where the dog was found dead, so clearly it’s higher damage. You may also conclude that the guilt may be higher as well. The maggots, just a routine search shows it takes six weeks for flies to lay maggots.

“The defendant has stated that the dog had died three weeks earlier, but this is clearly false. She left it at home and went on a leisure or other trip. There was food that might have been put down after the animal died.”

Davidson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing in her duty to ensure the welfare of an animal.

Tim Gregory, defending, said Davidson did not intentionally make Milo suffer and is having her own personal crisis.

He said: “I don’t think this is a case that can be said to be groundless. It was a relatively short time. She was supposed to give up the dog in March, but she thought she could handle it.”

Sentencing | a total of 14 months in jail, suspended for 18 months; 25 days of rehabilitation; £1,080 in court costs. Banned from owning an animal for 15 years.

Shields Gazette

Dogs, Lifers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

South Shields, Tyne and Wear: Jamie Graham

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CONVICTED (2021) | Jamie Graham, born 14 June 1997, of 50 Westcott Road, South Shields NE34 0QY – caught on camera holding down a dog and hitting her repeatedly with a metal mallet

Violent dog abuser Jamie Graham from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, and victim Blue
Jamie Graham, who goes by the nickname ‘Jamz’, and victim Blue, who is now doing well in the care of her original owner.

A horrified neighbour saw Graham strike Labrador-husky cross, Blue, with a metal mallet four times and filmed part of the attack on her mobile phone.

The RSPCA was informed and Graham was charged with two offences.

Following the charges, Graham reportedly tried to intimidate the two female witnesses into withdrawing their evidence against him. He vandalised property and made threats of violence but the women were determined to get justice for Blue and saw the case through to its conclusion.

In the end, cowardly Graham did not even show up at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court to face the charges and a trial went ahead in his absence. He was convicted of both offences.

RSPCA Prosecutor Alex Bousfield said Graham, who has links to Washington, Tyne and Wear, was staying with his mother in Westcott Road, South Shields when the offences took place in October 2020.

Violent dog abuser Jamie Graham from South Shields, Tyne and Wear

Blue’s original owner was Graham’s aunt, Jaimie McKay. Due to a change in family circumstances Jaimie rehomed the dog with another nephew but she ended up in the care of Graham, who then subjected her to abuse – reportedly on multiple occasions.

On October 8, 2020, Graham’s next door neighbour witnessed him striking the dog in his back yard.

She saw him hit Blue with a mallet twice and heard the pet yelping. She then started filming his actions and saw him hit the dog two more times. She said the mallet was around a foot long.

Violent dog abuser Jamie Graham from South Shields, Tyne and Wear

A witness told UKACF: “In the full 2-minute video Graham actually hits Blue three times and holds her and counts down from 5 before smacking her. There was no reason for it and it wasn’t first time he did it which is why the witness videoed it for evidence.” 

Ms Jaimie McKay told the court Blue was not aggressive and never had any behavioural problems.

When she found out the dog had been hit with a mallet, she went to Westcott Road and brought the pet back home. The RSPCA was then alerted.

Blue was examined by a vet, who noted the animal would have been in pain when she was struck by the mallet.

But after an assessment, the pet was not found to be badly injured. There was no significant swelling and no damage to the skull.

The dog was given painkillers and was now back with her original owner, and doing well.

It was also said the RSPCA and police officers had tried to arrange an interview with Graham to question him about the incident.

He agreed to attend an interview voluntarily but did not attend on the day, claiming he had not been made aware of the date.

After hearing from the witnesses, magistrates convicted Graham on Friday 1 October 2021.

Chairman of the panel, David Kelly, said: “Both offences are proved beyond reasonable doubt.”

Magistrates then issued a warrant for Graham’s arrest so that he can be brought to court and sentenced.

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Update for sentencing 15/12/2021

Jailed for 26 weeks; ordered to pay £378. Lifetime ban on keeping all animals .

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BBC News

Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Multiple Species

Hebburn, Tyne and Wear: Melissa Marshall and Terence Sutton

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CONVICTED (2021) | Melissa Marshall, born 12 December 1977, and partner Terry Sutton, born 22 November 1969, both of 33 Thames Road, Hebburn NE31 2BX – prosecuted for animal cruelty in relation to a dog and two cats found “ravenous” and emaciated at their home.

The RSPCA were called to Melissa Marshall and Terence Sutton’s address after receiving reports about neglected animals from a concerned member of the public

A court heard RSPCA Inspector Trevor Walker was sent to the flat on a number of occasions during May 2019 but nobody appeared to be at home.

On May 19 2019 Marshall opened the door to Trevor and allowed him into the property after explaining he wanted to examine the pets.

In a statement given to the court Inspector Walker said: “As I went up the stairs I saw an emaciated tan greyhound bitch called Sheba.

“After stroking her I realised I had blood on my hand and initially could not identify its source. Eventually we found the injury to Sheba’s tail. It appeared to be an old injury which had reopened and started bleeding.

“Melissa Marshall advised she would authorise me to take Sheba and any other underweight cats to the vets for examination.

“Access to examinations was restricted but eventually permission was given to remove Sheba, and Flash and Jaspar who were all emaciated.”

During his time at the property Marshall’s partner, Terry Sutton, remained seated but continued to complain about the report made to RSPCA. Marshall then refused to allow any other animals to be taken for examination.

RSPCA Inspector Walker rushed the three pets to a nearby vet’s who confirmed they were all suffering unnecessarily. Sheba’s old injury to her tail continued to bleed during the examination as she wagged her tail.

All the animals were then given food and were all ravenous, particularly the cats who attacked the food bowls.

Sheba, Jaspar and Flash were then taken to the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre to be rehabilitated.

An independent vet who examined Sheba, aged seven, said she was in poor bodily condition with bones protruding and no body fat.

She noted the dog also had a chronic skin condition with scabbing on her skin caused by fleas and she had an old injury to her tail which was split at the end and bleeding.

She explained: “This is a relatively common injury seen in dogs with long tails and is particularly common when dogs are confined to small spaces, such as kennels.

“These injuries are difficult to treat and can often only be dealt with by amputating part of the tail. This appeared to be an old wound which I estimate had been present for at least two weeks, possibly one to two months. This open wound would have caused Sheba suffering due to discomfort and irritation.”

Both cats, aged eight, were also found to be in poor bodily condition with bones prominent and had no body fat and a loss of muscle.

After Sheba, Flash and Jasper were seized and placed into RSPCA care the animal welfare charity continued to work with Marshall and Sutton to maintain the welfare of the other six cats which remained at their home.

However, following the court hearing the district judge issued a deprivation order and said that these pets should also be placed in the care of the charity.

Inspector Walker attended the property on two occasions before he was able to seize the other cats.

Both Flash and Jasper remain at Felledge and it is now hoped they can be rehomed soon along with Sheba who had to have her tail amputated but is doing really well in foster care.

Marshall and Sutton were found guilty of five animal welfare offences but failed to appear in court for their sentencing.

They were brought before the court the following day after warrants were issued for their arrest.

Homes will now also be found for the other six cats once the appeal period is over.

Sentencing: both received a 12-month community orders and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay £295 each. 10-year ban on keeping animals (expires July 2031).

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Reptiles / Exotics, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

South Shields, South Tyneside: Michael McCann

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CONVICTED (2021) | Michael Anthony McCann, born 26 November 1984, no fixed abode but previously of The St Thomas Complex, Belgrave Terrace, South Shields NE33 2RX – fatally stabbed an abandoned snake in the head with a screwdriver

Snake killer Michael McCann from South Shields, UK
Michael McCann was jailed after stabbing a defenceless snake in the head with a screwdriver


Magistrates imprisoned Michael McCann after judging the incident at his former South Shields hostel home to be an “horrendous attack on a defenceless animal”.

The court was told that the impact was so severe that the boa constrictor’s teeth and jaw were embedded in a carpet.

Snake killer Michael McCann from South Shields, UK
McCann was also banned from keeping animals for ten years following the sickening incident

Experts also fear that the 3ft-long snake – which was believed to have been posted through the Belgrave Terrace hostel’s letterbox a few days earlier – suffered additional pain and stress while trapped before dying after a “significant time delay”.

Last year McCann was convicted in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on May 28, 2020.

He has now received a 17-week jail term after deciding against having the case reopened when he eventually appeared before magistrates.

The court was told that the attack happened days after the non-poisonous constrictor allegedly attacked a second man.

Stewart Haywood, prosecuting, said McCann was willing to fully take the blame after he was quizzed by RSPCA officers.

Snake killer Michael McCann from South Shields, UK

RSPCA Inspector Rachael Hurst, who launched the investigation into the attack, said: “No one seemed to own the snake or knew where he had come from but they believed he had been posted through the letterbox

“He had been in the porch for a few days and nobody had mentioned it or attempted to move him.”

A veterinary report concluded: “If this wound was inflicted without further attention, and the snake left impaled to the floor, this would have resulted in pain, stress and suffering on the animal.

“This wound alone would not be expected to cause death without a significant time delay.”

Following the court sentence, Inspector Hurst condemned the “unacceptable” attack and added: “This poor snake was already in a poor condition and was likely extremely frightened and confused.

“He needed help but, instead, was viciously attacked, seriously injured and left to die, as vets suspect, a long and slow death.”

Sentencing | 17 weeks in jail. £128 victim surcharge. Disqualified from owning, keeping or transporting all animals for 10 years and ordered to pay a £128 victim surcharge.

Shields Gazette
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Additional Information

Michael McCann may now be living in the Whitley Bay area and has been spotted in the vicinity of North Parade.

Dogs

Jarrow, Tyne and Wear: Mark Simpson

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CONVICTED (2020) | Mark William Simpson, born 1968, of Westfield, Jarrow NE32 4QW – left his pet dog to suffer with skin disease and irreversible eye damage

Mark Simpson from Jarrow failed to treat his pet dog's health problems and is now banned from keeping animals for 10 years
Mark Simpson from Jarrow failed to treat his pet dog’s health problems and is now banned from keeping animals for 10 years

Simpson was in charge of a King Charles spaniel-type dog named Angel, who was found with a number of health problems.

The RSPCA said the animal was missing fur, was weak and had eye and ear disease when she was discovered at Simpson’s Jarrow home in July 2017.

Simpson pleaded guilty to four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to Angel and failing to ensure the animal’s welfare.

King Charles-type spaniel Angel was suffering from a number of painful conditions
King Charles-type spaniel Angel was suffering from a number of painful conditions

RSPCA prosecutor Stewart Haywood told the court that an inspector visited the defendant’s home and saw the pet covered with a blanket.

“The dog’s eyes were filled with pus, it had missing fur, the skin was reddish and it had very long nails,” said Mr Haywood.

“The defendant said she had been attacked by a Rottweiler some weeks ago and had been taken to a vet.”

After a veterinary examination, it was found Angel was “extremely weak”, had reduced vision and “permanent irreversible damage” to her eyes.

Her ear canals had thick and yellow discharge, and the skin was described as being in “an appalling condition”.

The RSPCA went on to provide treatment and the pet is now doing well, the court heard.

Mr Haywood added: “The suffering had taken place for at least one month.”

Animal abuser Mark Simpson from Jarrow

He said Simpson had made appointments to see a vet in January and March 2019 for Angel’s skin and eye problems but had not turned up.

“There’s high level of suffering in this case,” added Mr Haywood. “There is prolonged neglect here.”

Annalisa Moscardini, defending, told the court her client had learning difficulties.

Sentencing: 12-month community order; ordered to pay £385; banned from owning animals for 10 years.

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Shields Gazette

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies

South Shields, Tyne and Wear: Natasha and Cameron Bell

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CONVICTED (2019) | Natasha ‘Tasha’ Bell, born 22 August 1982, of Bonsall Court, South Shields NE34 0HT, and son Cameron J Bell, born 9 January 2001, of Bamford Walk, South Shields NE34 0JA – for the neglect of two horses, one of which had to be euthanised.

Horse abusers Natasha Bell and son Cameron Bell from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK
Tasha Bell and son Cameron Bell caused unnecessary suffering to two horses including this one

Mother and son Natasha and Cameron Bell admitted causing unnecessary suffering to horses Porky and Chalky and failing to meet their needs.

The animals were discovered tethered to trees in Boldon Colliery in January 2019.

Horse abusers Natasha Bell and son Cameron Bell from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK, pictured outside court
Horse abusers Cameron and Natasha Bell pictured outside court

Porky had collapsed and had to be put down because he was unable to recover.

Both ponies had a poor body condition and were found to have heavy worm burdens. It was said they could have been suffering for at least six months.

Horse abuser Cameron Bell from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK

RSPCA prosecutor Stewart Haywood told the court how the ponies had been inappropriately tethered, were not kept in a suitable environment and had “inadequate dietary provision”.

He said an RSPCA inspector arrived at some open public land in South Tyneside on January 24, 2019, after a report of a collapsed pony.

“This pony turned out to be Porky,” said Mr Haywood. “The inspector made attempts to stand it up. It was in a poor condition and tethered inappropriately to a tree that was on a slope.

“A vet came and further attempts were made for Porky to stand. However the only course was euthanasia.

“The police also attended and euthanasia was carried out.”

The prosecutor told the court that Chalky was found in the same area, also tethered and underweight.

Horse abuser Cameron Bell from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK

Further examination revealed that Porky was thin and had a worm infestation, and the animal had “lack of muscle and body strength”.

Meanwhile, Chalky’s tether had been too tight and the animal also had a high worm burden.

Mr Haywood added: “The ponies were suffering for several reasons. They had inadequate provision of water and a poor body condition.

“The environment was hazardous and there was a risk of injury. The tight tether of Chalky would have caused discomfort.

“This is a case of horses that were clearly suffering significantly.”

Solicitor Valerie Bell, representing both defendants, said the horses were owned by Cameron and his mum played a smaller role in their care.

She said Natasha Bell had suffered significant mental health problems for many years and was receiving medication. A psychiatric report explaining her background was prepared for the court.

It was said Natasha’s “mental health had deteriorated during the commission of these offences”.

Their lawyer added: “Both are genuinely remorseful and very distressed about the whole background that has led to this.”

Sentencing |
Natasha Bell – 12-month community order with rehabilitation activities, £60 fine plus costs.
Cameron Bell – 12-week prison sentence suspended for a year; 80 hours of unpaid work plus rehabilitation activity requirement; ordered to pay costs.
Both were banned from keeping horses for 10 years.

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