BREEDER Lynette Kinsey was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and banned from keeping dogs for five years today.

Following a lengthy trial Magistrates came to a decision this morning after finding Kinsey, 58, guilty of failing to treat two of her Welsh Mountain Dogs and causing unnecessary suffering to one.

At Cwmbran Magistrates' Court this morning Chair of the bench Richard Morris said the offences were "serious enough" to warrant the sentence.

He said, "If you break the rules of your community service you could face custody. There will be no costs awarded in this case due to your circumstances and your inability to pay."

Kinsey, who receives incapacity benefits of £69 per week, was banned from owning, keeping, and looking after dogs for five year and must complete the 200 hours in a charity shop as a volunteer within 12 months.

Magistrates took almost three weeks to decide upon a final verdict on Kinsey, formerly of Oak Lodge, Llanvihangel Crucorney but now living in Ledbury.

Outside the court Kinsey said she was unhappy with the ban imposed on her, "I don't keep dogs now but the friend I live with has them for security reasons."

*Read the full court case and Kinsey's exclusive interview in next week's paper.