A MAN has been sentenced to 20 weeks in prison for causing unnecessary suffering to two horses.

Stuart Lee Stanbridge, 38, from Ham Road in Sidlesham, failed to investigate and address the causes of the poor bodily condition and weight loss of a dun gelding cob called Chaser between August 23 and December 25 2019.

He was also found to have caused suffering to a black gelding cob called Alfie between October 14 and December 25 2019.

Stanbridge, who had both offences proved in his absence at Crawley Magistrates Court, was also disqualified from owning any animals and must also pay £872 by April 4 next year. This is made up of court costs of £750 and a £122 victim surcharge.

An order was also given under the Animal Welfare Act to deprive Stanbridge of ownership of the black gelding cob and for its disposal.

The court stated he was being sent to prison due to the seriousness of the offence. The informant in the case was RSPCA Horsham.

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