James Gray sentenced to an extra two months in jail

Disgraced horse dealer James Gray has been given an extra two months in jail for absconding from court.

James Gray of Spindles Farm is beginning an eight-month jail sentence this morning after appearing briefly at Aylesbury Crown Court at 10am today.

Gray was re-arrested yesterday morning after absconding from Aylesbury Crown Court two weeks ago. In his absence, the dealer was sentenced to six months in jail for cruelty offences relating to around 150 equines.

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Skinner, who was first to enter Spindles Farm in January 2008, said he was happy with the sentence.

“I’m pleased the police tracked Gray down and that he is now serving a sentence which reflects the severity of the cruelty suffered by so many horses, ponies and donkeys,” he said.

“This investigation has been one of our biggest ever and has so far cost the RSPCA more than £2.3 million.”

James Gray was arrested at 10.35am yesterday morning (Wednesday, 26 May) on the M5 near Kidderminster.

• See Horse & Hound’s special investigation behind the scenes at Spindles Farm, out today.

Video of James Gray being taken into court

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