Wallsend woman banned from keeping animals after claiming sex change led to her neglecting pets

Julie Ann Greenwood's cats were found covered in fleas by RSPCA inspectors

A woman who claimed a sex change led to her neglecting her pets has been banned from keeping animals.

Julie Ann Greenwood's cats, Sapphire and Starlight, were found covered in fleas by RSPCA inspectors.

A court heard that one of the animals was almost bald due to alopecia.

Prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, Stewart Haywood told North Tyneside Magistrates' Court of Greenwood's "prolonged neglect".

He said: "It would have taken months for the cats to get into the condition they were in.

"The two cats were discovered by inspectors for the charity at her home in July, just months after her op."

Greenwood, from Burn Closes Crescent, Wallsend, portrayed herself as a cat lover in court.

She said she had tried to get treatment for her animals by buying a collar from Amazon.

Pictures later released by the RSPCA showed Starlight's skin had scabbed due to the fleas.

When challenged over their condition, Greenwood was said to have been abusive to inspectors.

Defending her actions, Gerry Bass, mitigating, said: "I don't think she gave the best impression of herself that day as she was deeply upset."

Following a sex change in April, it was claimed she "had taken her eyes off the ball" and allowed her beloved pets to suffer.

Greenwood previously pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Magistrates banned her from keeping animals for five years after graphic pictures of the cats' injuries were shown in court.

They decided not to give her a community penalty after hearing how she suffered life-changing injuries while serving in the armed forces.

"She was injured badly by a bomb in Sarajevo sometime in the 90s," said Mr Bass.

"Over the years those injuries have got worse and she is now in a wheelchair."

Her ordeal has left the 53-year-old with PTSD.

A former security worker, she had to quit her job over 20 years ago due to her disability which left her on benefits.

Mr Bass also told the court that Greenwood struggled following a divorce.

It was claimed that when married, her partner had been able to do a lot of the physical work associated with keeping a pet.

Mr Bass added: "When the relationship broke down she couldn't get around as easily and the money dwindled."

Greenwood was ordered to pay £400 costs and was fined £120.

She will have to repay the charity £5 a week from her benefits.