Animal cruelty case delayed

AN animal cruelty trial has had to be delayed – because of the wrong wording on a document.

The “certificate” was necessary for the case against 27-year-old Bangor man Justin Williams, who has denied causing unnecessary suffering to a cat, going ahead.

But magistrates at Caernarfon have been told that Rob Taylor, head of the North Wales Police wildlife unit, was on holiday and contact by phone and e-mail had failed.

This meant he was unable to be present to amend the document.

Ryan Rothwell, a barrister representing the defendant, said: “It would not be in the interests of justice for the case to adjourn.”

However magistrates decided that the trial should be heard next month.

The offence is alleged to have happened in March last year in the South Stack area of Holyhead.

Chairman Peter Williams referred to “shortcomings of the prosecution service” in the case and the absence of Mr Taylor.

He added: “We have considered the serious nature of the offence and decided an adjournment will be in the interests of justice.

"It’s a very frustrating position.”