Court orders removal of Buckley pensioner's dogs

Michael Roberts, of Jubilee Court, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The 76-year-old admitted that on June 12, he drove a Vauxhall Corsa on Precinct Way in the town whilst disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence, as well as having no insurance.

Catherine Elvin, prosecuting, told the court the defendant had also been convicted after trial on a previous occasion of breaching a community protection notice.

The community protection notice was imposed in January 2021 and the conditions related to the welfare and looking after his two dogs, which live at his property.

It followed a series of complaints from neighbours about the dogs being loose and fouling - with the faeces not being picked up by the defendant.

The conditions included a need for the animals to be on an appropriate lead and muzzled, as well as the person responsible for them picking up after them.

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But there were two incidents reported in November, with a witness giving evidence that the dogs had been roaming unsupervised, fouling again.

Ms Elvin said Roberts had two previous convictions for similar matters and given the long history - an application had been made to have the dogs rehomed.

"This application is not made lightly," she said. "I understand the impact this may have on the defendant.

"But these warnings and notices have been no deterrent."

She said his behaviour had caused the community a "tremendous nuisance."

In terms of the motoring matters, he was stopped by police after officers recognised his vehicle and suspected he may have been disqualified.

Stephen Ferns, defending, said: "From speaking to him, I understand he resides alone and he has the dogs for company.

"Without them, he's going to be entirely alone.

"During the currency of the period while having difficulty with the animals, we have had covid.

"Mr Roberts explains as someone who is disabled and unsteady on his feet he's not always able to take the dogs out himself and because of covid he couldn't have his family round to help.

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"He has significant mental health problems, and dementia coming on."

Mr Ferns said the defendant is now able to have a greater degree of support from his family and asked the court to give him another chance to comply with the notice.

Brian Manford, Chair of the Magistrates, said: "Because of the circumstances, we feel there's a duty of care to the public and to the wellbeing of the dogs.

"They need to be walked regularly, and it has to be made sure they are cleaned up after.

"Given the history of the events you have had over a number of years, even pre-covid, there will be a court order for the dogs to be removed."

A dejected Roberts said: "Oh no - I think the world of them.

"I disagree with you entirely; I do look after them.

"How can you do that to someone? It's all wrong this."

Mr Manford said the bench accepted it would be difficult for the defendant, but he said it would be for the best in the "bigger picture."

Roberts was handed an £80 fine for breaching the notice and ordered to pay £200 costs.

For driving while disqualified he was banned for six months and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge - with no separate penalty for the insurance offence.

"To hell with you," the defendant told the court, as he walked out.

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