Horse trader jailed for cruelty

Jun 12 2009 By Hannah Williams

A HORSE trader found guilty of cruelty to animals has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison and has been banned for keeping animals for life.

James Gray, 45, of Spindle Farm, Hyde Heath, was led from the dock after the end of a trial which began in December.

Judge Andrew Vickers told Gray his 11 offences in breach of the Animal Welfare Act made him deserving of a custodial sentence and ordered him to pay £400,000 towards the veterinary costs of the horses, ponies and donkeys he failed to care for.

Judge Vickers said: "I know that you have been involved with horses and are familiar with their behaviour. Therefore it's all the more sad you stand convicted of offences that I am sure your father and grandfather would be ashamed of.

"I cannot accept that it's appropriate that the economics of your trade require you not to intervene and provide appropriate veterinary care."

Judge Vickers told Gray, whose family had traded horses for generations, he would serve 12 weeks of his sentence before being released on licence.

His son, James Gray Junior, who was also convicted of the same 11 offences last month, was banned for keeping equines for a decade.

Gray Junior was given an 18 month supervision order at Aylesbury Youth Court this morning.

However he will be eligible to apply for the ban to be lifted five years after it comes into force.

Reporting restrictions usually granting anonymity to young defendants was lifted today in the sentencing of the 16-year-old.

Both Gray Junior and his father, also called James Gray, were found guilty following the RSPCA's largest animal rescue operation in January 2008 at the farm near Amersham.

Gray senior's wife, Julie Gray, 41, and daughters Cordelia, 20, and Jodie, 26 were sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month supervision order.

Julie was ordered to pay £750 in costs while Cordelia and Jodie were told they would have to pay £500 each.

They were also banned for keeping horses, ponies and donkeys for ten years.

All five family members intend to appeal against their convictions.

Protesters wielding placards were present outside Aylesbury Magistrates Court today.