This is the bearded dragon that had to be put down after she wasn’t fed or watered for a month.

Westbury woman Sophia Morton has now been given a suspended jail sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to the animal – and banned from keeping animals for five years.

Her bearded dragon, Ellie, was so malnourished a vet had to put her down. The RSPCA said that by failing to provide a suitable diet or living environment for the bearded dragon in August 2019, Morton contributed to the animal developing metabolic bone disease.

The 23-year-old, of Sandalwood Road, Westbury, who in March was found guilty in her absence of animal cruelty, was sentenced at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court to three months’ imprisonment suspended for two years. Magistrates cited the seriousness of the case in their decision to impose a suspended sentence.

She must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £328 in costs and surcharge. An order prevents her from keeping animals for five years.

The case was brought by the RSPCA.