A COURT has today heard how health inspectors found a rabbit living in the kitchen of a hotel owned by a countess.

A COURT has today heard how health inspectors found a rabbit living in the kitchen of a hotel owned by a countess.

District Judge Philip Browning was told that the bunny was being kept as a pet in a washing basket in “filthy” conditions in Fairholme Hotel, Great Yarmouth.

It was discovered during an inspection in January 2007.

The kitchen was used to cater for visitors and guests in the hotel's 18 rooms.

Countess Athanasia Constantine, 39, of north London, denies 17 breaches of food hygiene regulations.

The hearing continues.