THE owner of an Alton-based children's nursery closed down by Ofsted in March following complaints about childcare provision has been found guilty on three counts of battery on a child.

Arabella (Bella) Butler was given a one-year conditional discharge following a hearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court last week.

An Early Years Professional, Mrs Butler, who took over the running of the family owned business in Drayman's Way, Alton, in January 2009, rebranding it Smiley Rainbows, had pleaded not guilty on all three charges.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.