Two St Austell people have been given suspended jail sentences for animal cruelty charges, after a court heard that a number of cats died and others endured serious suffering.

Keiron Stapleton and Lucia Wills, both of Chapel Field, St Austell, were banned from keeping any animal for the next ten years.

Stapleton, who is 34, pleaded guilty to a number of animal cruelty charges.

He failed to meet the needs of five cats at Rodda Close, Gunnislake in 2023 by not keeping them in a suitable environment.

The sentence of ten weeks, suspended for 18 months, was because of the prolonged period of neglect resulting in the death of several animals, the serious level of suffering and because he ignored advice.

Truro Magistrates, sitting at Bodmin, ordered the animals to be seized by the RSPCA and he was ordered to pay £154 victim surcharge and £400 costs.

Wills, who is 27, had the case proved against her that she failed to meet the needs of five cats at Rodda Close, Gunnislake in 2023 by not keeping them in a suitable environment.

She was sentenced to 13 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, because of the prolonged period of neglect resulting in the death of several animals, the serious level of suffering and because she ignored advice.

She was banned from keeping all animals for ten years and was ordered to pay £154 victim surcharge and £400 costs.