A NORTHUMBERLAND man has been banned from keeping horses for five years for causing unnecessary suffering to one.

Colin Holmes, 51, of Third Row, Linton, near Morpeth, has also been ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, having failed to seek veterinary treatment for the animal’s leg injury.

Holmes, who was said to have 30 years’ experience of keeping horses, appeared before South East Northumberland magistrates for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to two charges brought by the RSPCA.

The Bedlington court had heard him admit causing unnecessary suffering to bay thoroughbred stallion Ricky between June 9 and 30 last year, by failing to seek veterinary treatment for the leg injury.

Holmes had also admitted an offence of failing to observe a sufficient worming regime, between June 18 and 30, resulting in a high parasitic burden on the horse.

Both offences related to the period during which he had the animal tethered on sand dunes at Newbiggin golf course, without water or shelter.

The court had heard the horse was very lean and had a visible leg wound for which RSPCA inspectors advised Holmes to seek veterinary treatment.

However, he failed to seek treatment and the creature was eventually found to be lame. The animal was signed over to the RSPCA and later destroyed.

In Holmes’ defence, the court had heard he had bought the animal with the injury.

He had decided to delay involving a vet to see if the wound improved with his own form of treatment, which the defendant admitted had been a mistake.

Magistrates chose to disqualify Holmes from keeping or transporting horses for the five years, and he will not be able to apply for the ban to be lifted for three years.

They imposed the 180 hours’ unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order.

Holmes was also ordered to pay costs of £521.69.