A man who left a pair of lizards in an empty flat without food, water, heat or lighting, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering.

Eastbourne Magistrates' Court heard how William Newton left the leopard geckos behind when he moved from his flat in Claremont Road, Seaford, to Kent in August last year.

The animals were discovered by PC Keith Wells when he called at the basement flat to investigate a burglary.

He reported finding rotten food and broken electrical equipment in the house before discovering the two creatures, the larger of which was about 18 in long, in the corner of a room.

David Buck, prosecution for the RSPCA, told the court the animals had been found suffering from malnutrition and roundworm. The smaller one has since died.

Mr Buck said: "It seems he left them alone in the flat for up to two weeks.

"He said he was trying to make arrangements to pick them up but this was difficult because his life was being threatened."

Eastbourne magistrates adjourned the case until February 9 so Mr Newton, who did not attend court, could be sentenced.