KIZZY the pony sounded perfect for Allyson Gerry's nine-year-old daughter.

The advert in Horse Deals magazine described the £3,500 pony as safe, great with kids with a love of jumping.

But the reality turned out to be far different, a court was told.

Zingra Roberts, prosecuting on behalf of Durham County Council's trading standards department said Mrs Gerry visited the pony at Leaventhorpe Hall Equestrian Centre in Bradford and bought it.

But when it was delivered to Bluebell Farm Stables at Hunwick near Crook, County Durham, there were immediate concerns.

A statement by the stable owner said: "It has never been close to being child-friendly. I do not trust that pony. I would not let Allyson's daughter into its stable by herself."

Ms Roberts added that a vet checked the pony in December and found Kizzy was lame and had back as well as behavioural problems.

She added that it was thought Kizzy was closer to 14-years-old and not nine as advertised - and that she had been tranquilised when Mrs Gerry first viewed her at Leaventhorpe Hall.

Despite her best efforts to contact Anthony Gribbin, director of Leaventhorpe Equestrian Centre, by phone, letter and email, Mrs Gerry received no reply until after the 28 day returns policy had expired - and was told it was too late.

Mrs Gerry said in a statement to Bishop Auckland magistrates that the pony bit her arm two months ago and although she could now be ridden after having received lots of treatment, she would not leave her daughter with the animal unsupervised.

Despite repeated attempts to contact Leaventhorpe Equestrian Centre by Trading Standards and the magistrates court, no reply was received, and the case was proved in its absence.

The company, charged with using a false trade description, was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £1,350 costs.