Animal lovers John and Veronica Culley outside the court Picture: CLARE HOMER Ref: 76593-75JOHN Culley likes animals so much he transformed his Park South terrace into a private zoo, a court heard.

Not even a court order banning him from keeping animals could persuade the 39-year-old to give up his hobby.

Yesterday at Swindon Magistrates' Court he admitted breaching the six-year order made in November 1999.

RSPCA Inspector Kate Davis acting on a tip-off from a neighbour paid Culley a visit at his home in Loxley Walk last August.

At that time the order was still active.

Mike Edgar, prosecuting on behalf of the animal charity, told the court Culley and his elderly parents shared the home with 12 animals.

Six years ago, Culley, who has severe learning difficulties and is unemployed, was ordered to serve 100 hours community service and made to pay £200 prosecution costs after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to two rabbits.

One had an untreated ear infection, another was caked in faeces.

Stephen Weighell, defending, said: "It's not clear if the pets were owned by my client or his father but he accepts that he was, nonetheless, in breach of his order.

"Mr Culley has considerable learning difficulties and he cannot read or write."

Angus Macpherson, the chairman of the bench, told Culley he could expect a prison sentence.

He said: "We feel the offence is so serious we need a full report. Custody must remain an option."

Speaking outside court, Inspector Davis said this was a unique case.

She said: "We acted on a tip-off from a neighbour who was concerned he may have been keeping pets despite the order.

"When I visited the address I heard birds in the background I then entered and saw the animals.

"There was no evidence of neglect to these particular animals but the order was put in place for a good reason back in 1999.

"And the ban was for quite a considerable time, which shows the seriousness of the neglect."

Culley was granted unconditional bail until April 13 when he will be sentenced.The animals will be found new homes.

Animal facts

Animals John Culley had at his home:

One cockatiel

Two budgies

Two hamsters

Two gerbils

Two guinea pigs

One cat

Two tarantulas

Kevin Shoesmith