CONVICTED (2019) | Julieann Greenwood, born c. 1966, of Burn Closes Crescent, Wallsend NE28 – failed to get veterinary treatment for her flea-riddled pet cats. Julieann Greenwood neglected her cats Starlight (top) and Sapphire Julieann 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 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 earlier in the year, it was claimed she “had taken her eyes off the ball” and allowed her beloved pets to suffer. Greenwood pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Sentencing | fined £120 and ordered to pay £400 costs. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires December 2024). Chronicle Live