Magistrates heard how five thoroughbreds were found weak and emaciated at Kamil Mahdi's yard.

One of the horses had to be put down.

At Bury St Edmunds Magistrates Court in Suffolk on Thursday Mahdi, 53, admitted five charges in a case brought by the RSPCA.

Licence expired

The animal charity said he had been guilty of serious failings.

A neighbouring trainer who was worried about the horses alerted officials last February.

Magistrates were told that the RSPCA had warned him before about standards of care when horses were found with no running water.

It had been turned off because of problems with unpaid bills.

The court heard he was given advice, but had failed to heed it.

The case against Mahdi, whose licence to train expired two years ago, was adjourned for reports.

Mahdi leased the stables, but has since moved out and the site has been refurbished.