A cattle transport driver has admitted repeatedly striking a helpless animal.

Bedford Magistrates heard last week that in October 2007, Michael Bates, of Great Oakley, Northamptonshire, was driving a van that was transporting cattle to Dawn Meats in Cardington.

While loading the animals, trading standard officers and the official veterinary surgeon witnessed Bates repeatedly striking one animal on the head and face with a 3ft wooden stick.

The court was also told that Bates ignored requests to stop and struck the animal a further two times.

Bates was conditionally charged for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 costs to Bedfordshire County Council's trading standards service.

Coun Bob King, cabinet member for community services, said: "This case sends out a message that animal handling practices such as this are not acceptable in today's society.

"I would also remind those involved in the transport of animals that our officers remain vigilant and will continue to bring before the courts, those persons who think this type of behaviour is acceptable."