One of the animals was left suffering with an infected eye - which had to removed - and another died because of the neglect.

Their owner, jobless Christopher Pusey, 50, was given a two year rehabilitation order and banned from keeping animals for life after admitting cruelty at Newark Magistrates' Court.

Magistrates heard Pusey, from Devon Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, kept the horses in a field near the town.

The RSPCA was called in January and found them in an emaciated and distressed condition.