A horse dealer has been jailed for conning thousands of pounds out of buyers, including a woman buying one for her disabled daughter.

Karen Ruston, of Maplehurst Close, Dartford, lied about the poor condition of her animals after advertising them for sale in national publications between November 2013 and October 2014.

Customers were asked to meet Ruston at a pub in Ash Road, Sevenoaks and then followed her to the stables.

More than one victim reported that they were left caring for a horse that needed regular visits and treatments from vets at a significant cost.

Another victim was looking for a completely safe horse for her disabled daughter, a court heard.

She bought a horse from Ruston for almost £5,000 before discovering it had been sold just days before for £650.

"Ruston has misled people into buying horses that, if they had possession of all the facts would not have purchased them, saving themselves thousands of pounds" - KCC Trading Standards' Clive Phillips

The horse was developing navicular syndrome, which can lead to lameness in the front legs.

Ruston deceived buyers by using alias names, various contact details and false descriptions.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court last week, Ruston admitted 11 offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations Act and two offences under the Horse Passport Regulations Act.

Judge Charles Macdonald described the offences as “repellent, dangerous and an exploitation of people who love horses” and sentenced her to six months behind bars.

She was also ordered to forfeit her £6,000 savings as compensation.

Clive Phillips from KCC Trading Standards, who brought the case, said: “Ruston purposefully listed her misleading advertisements in a manner that her victims not only believed the falsehoods but also in a way that any regular consumer would think she was not acting for purposes relating to her business.

“Not only should consumers know who they are dealing with but they should rightly be able to rely upon claims made to them.

"Ruston has misled people into buying horses that, if they had possession of all the facts would not have purchased them, saving themselves thousands of pounds.

“We advise anyone wanting to purchase a horse to not only research the seller but also seek to obtain independent experienced opinion on the health of the horse.”

Ruston had previously been convicted of similar offences at Salisbury Crown Court in 2004 and sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work.