A SANCTUARY boss convicted of a string of animal cruelty charges says he has turned his haven around and will continue to care for wildlife.

Clifford Spedding was yesterday handed a four-month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to nine charges of animal cruelty against a number of animals at the Hope Animal Sanctuary, in Loftus, near Saltburn, east Cleveland.

He was also banned from having care and control of birds, fowl or reptiles for 15 years and ordered to pay £250 court costs.

But Teesside Magistrates' Court heard how Spedding had been dedicated to the care and welfare of animals for more than 20 years.

He pleaded guilty to nine offences relating to two birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1991, 41 animals and birds through failing to provide them with adequate veterinary attention and 52 animals and birds by allowing them to live in conditions that caused them to suffer.

The court was earlier told Spedding kept sick animals - that could not be rehomed - in terrible conditions and did nothing to alleviate their suffering.

But yesterday, in mitigation, Paul Watson told the court: "He has offered help to distressed animals for upwards of 20, possibly 30 years. This has been a voluntary thing - a kind of public service if you like. He has had no grants, no public funds and money has come from himself or the public and he raised funds as best he could. It is a matter of distress to him he comes to court today."

Mr Watson said the centre had since been refurbished and improved and it was Spedding's personal circumstances which led to the problems.

District Judge Roger Elsey was handed a folder of letters of support for Spedding, along with photographs of the sanctuary in its current state and a petition of 300 signatures backing him.

Looking at the photographs, Judge Elsey said: "It is a remarkable contrast to the photographs that were the primary evidence in the case."

After the case, RSPCA Inspector Mark Gent said: "I am pleased with the result. The offences were serious and the judge has passed a sentence which I feel is appropriate.

"This prosecution was brought as a last resort against a man who believed he was providing a vital, caring service for animals.

"However, at the heart of the matter is a large number of animals and birds that were made to suffer considerably and unnecessarily due to inadequate conditions and lack of veterinary care."

Spedding said afterwards: "At the end of the day, I just do the best I can. I want to thank the public for sticking by me. I am glad I am not going to prison so I can still look after the animals."