sentence to a man with a record of neglecting animals.

Noel Jones, 54, of Point Finger Road, Paget, pleaded guilty to wilfully causing or permitting to be caused unnecessary suffering to an animal, namely a goat.

The court heard that the goat was found badly tethered and undernourished on Jones' property earlier this year.

It was the second time that charges of this nature had been brought against Jones.

In July 1989, he admitted to the charge of not caring for calves under his care.

Back then the court heard that a Government veterinary officer visited Jones' home and found a calf tethered in a spot that had no shade.

Jones was advised to move the animal to a better place.

But it was subsequently found to be in a worse condition.

Magistrate the Wor. Cheryl-Ann Mapp, who was Crown counsel at that time, said the calf was infested with maggots. Jones was fined $200.

On hearing this yesterday, Magistrate the Wor. Edward King fined Jones $450 and imposed a three-month prison sentence which was suspended for two years.

Mr. King also made it clear that if Jones -- who owns six other goats and three cows -- neglected any other animal within the next two years, his suspended sentence would be activated.

Crown counsel Ms Nita Grewal had asked Mr. King to impose an order depriving Jones of the custody of goats and cattle permanently.

Mr. King, however, said he would only impose such an order if there were any further similar offences.

But he ordered that the undernourished goat -- which has since gained 25 pounds -- be made a ward of court.