The sentencing of a Staffordshire couple who ran 'filthy and rancid puppy farm' has been delayed again
A Staffordshire couple who ran a 'rancid' puppy farm and money laundered their ill gotten gains have had their sentencing at court delayed.
Despite 60 dogs being rescued from Ian and Susan Wilson's Hednesford home in October 2019, the retired couple have yet to be sentenced.
The husband and wife, from Mount Street, did not plead guilty to various charges until the opening day of their trial in August. Ian, 70, admitted fraud by misrepresentation and money laundering, both he and Susan, aged 66, admitted using their property between March 2017 and October 2019 to illegally breed dogs.
The pair have missed hearings citing ill health, with court proceedings switched from Stafford Crown Court to Birmingham Crown Court due to a broken lift. They also contested the basis of their own guilty pleas which prompted a Trial of Basis yesterday (Monday).
After yet more negotiations at between Prosecutor Mark Jackson and the couple's lawyers they reaffirmed their guilt again after being informed they would have to give evidence in the witness stand.
Judge Andrew Smith KC was set to hand down their sentences yesterday (Monday) at Birmingham Crown Court but adjourned the matter after the couple failed to provide medical evidence which they planned to use to in their mitigation.
The judge told them: "I am disappointed no evidence has been provided to the court concerning the health issues which will be used in your mitigation. You have had the time to do this.
"I am giving you five weeks to provide evidence about your financial means and to provide the medical evidence which your mitigation relies on."
He added: "Sentencing will be on September 28. You have to be here."
Vets and Cannock District Council animal welfare officers described the conditions the couple kept the puppies in as atrocious. More than sixty dogs and puppies were crammed in pens covered in their own urine and faeces. The council removed the dogs and eventually found them new homes.
Judge Smith warned the pair they could face a jail term.
He said: "I am confident the custody threshold has been met in this case."
He also admonished them for talking to each other in the dock.
Prosecutor Mark Jackson KC told the court the couple admitted making £105,000 from puppy breeding, but this was a 'conservative estimate' as many deals were done in cash. The prosecution also wants the couple to pay £25,000 in court costs. He described the couple's puppy farm as 'rancid' and 'absolutely filthy'.
Mr Wilson used sticks to walk and Mrs Wilson, who used a Zimmer frame with dog stickers, will return to be sentenced in September.
