A SUFFOLK farmer is facing a total of 13 charges of cruelty against animals that were in his care.John Nicholson, who now lives at Hallgarth Circle, in Kendal, Cumbria, is alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2002.

A SUFFOLK farmer is facing a total of 13 charges of cruelty against animals that were in his care.

John Nicholson, who now lives at Hallgarth Circle, in Kendal, Cumbria, is alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2002.

The charges, which are being brought by the RSPCA, relate to a farm in Hollesley at a time when Nicholson used to live in Manningtree.

Eight of the charges relate to causing unnecessary suffering, while there are further charges of failing to provide suitable accommodation, failing to care for injured or sick animals, failing to inspect animals and failing to provide a suitable diet.

The 34-year-old appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates' court, on Friday , for a ten-minute hearing.

Nicholson, who spent one week in custody after being charged with the offences on February 15, spoke only to confirm his name and address. He appeared in court wearing a sweatshirt and a pair of dark trousers and sat with his head down for much of the hearing.

Defending, Ian Persaud made an application for conditional bail on behalf of Nicholson, which was granted by magistrates.

Chairman of the bench Wally Welch granted conditional bail on three conditions. These are that he lives at his address in Cumbria, he reports to Kendal police station twice a week and surrenders his passport.

Nicholson will be living with his mother, who sat at the back of the court in the public gallery, while on bail.

He is yet to enter a plea and will reappear before magistrates on March 6 to answer his conditional bail.