A senior Green Party councillor and former parliamentary candidate has again appeared in court accused causing unnecessary harm to a donkey.

Jacqi Hodgson, 62, of Argyle Terrace, Totnes, sits on Devon County, South Hams District and Totnes Town councils. She was the Green Party’s candidate for the Totnes constituency in last year’s general election.

On Monday, February 12, Hodgson pleaded not guilty. The RSPCA is prosecuting her for breaching the 2006 Animal Welfare Act.

Her husband, Richard Hodgson, 69, of the same address, has also denied the same charge.

She appeared before Newton Abbot magistrates again today, Wednesday, March 7.

The case was adjourned to a date as yet undecided.