A COUPLE yesterday admitted neglecting a pregnant cat, but despite already breaching a ban on keeping animals for life, they will escape jail.

Alan and Marie Humphrey admitted keeping three cats at their Darlington home.

RSPCA officers said they have been forced to make up to 30 visits to their property.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard how one cat was infested with fleas, and had a tumour the size of a five-pence piece in its ear when it was taken away by RSPCA officers in May last year.

Yesterday, despite initially pleading not guilty, the pair changed their plea to guilty during their trial.

However, magistrates said the couple would not be given a custodial penalty, as rehabilitation would prove more beneficial.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said: "The suffering could and should have been alleviated, and that could have been done simply by taking it to see a vet."

Vet Michaela Wright said the animal had been infested with fleas for a few months.

"It is my opinion that the cat had been suffering from the tumour for at least two weeks. It would have caused discomfort and pain, which must have been affecting her quality of life," she said.

Mr and Mrs Humphrey will appear before magistrates on April 6 for sentencing.

Peter Bradford, in mitigation, said the couple would never intentionally hurt animals and urged for them to be spared jail.