A couple who sold a “crippled” pet monkey to a pensioner rather than taking it to a vet have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering.

Magistrates who convicted Lee Powell, 50, and Julie Ann Jones, 41, described the scientific evidence against the pair as indisputable.

A two-day trial at Dudley Magistrates’ Court heard that the four-and-a-half-month-old monkey, named Mikey, was put down by a vet after its injuries were discovered.

Powell and Jones, both of Sunderland Drive, Amblecote, Stourbridge, denied four charges brought by the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

During their trial, the couple denied knowing that there was anything wrong with the monkey, which they sold in June for £650 in cash after placing an advert in a local newspaper.

Magistrates heard that the 60-year-old woman who bought the animal on a fish and chip shop car park took it to an exotic pet dealer, who alerted the RSCPA to its condition.

Vets later established that the marmoset monkey had seven separate fractures and bone disease caused by a failure to care for it properly.

Finding both defendants guilty, chairman of the bench Jane Rymer told them the prosecution’s evidence had been clear and concise.

“What’s clear from that evidence is that the animal suffered pain, distress and injury whilst in the care of you two defendants,” she said.

“We don’t accept, as you assert, that you were unaware of the distress and injury to the monkey.”

Both defendants were granted unconditional bail and will be sentenced on January 12.