At Exeter Crown Court, Leon Smith, 62, from Okehampton, admitted failing to provide a suitable environment for 13 dogs on his Dartmoor smallholding.

BBC: Dartmoor farmer admits keeping dogs in 'appalling' mud

His decision deprives new captain Leon Smith, who used to coach Murray, of his best player for the tie against Turkey at Eastbourne next month.

BBC: Andy Murray opts out of Davis Cup tie against Turkey

The Scot's former mentor Leon Smith has been named as Britain's new Davis Cup captain to replace John Lloyd, who quit after the team's embarrassing defeat by Lithuania last month.

CNN: Djokovic dumps coach Martin ahead of Monte Carlo campaign