Shropshire dog attack accused is taken ill in court
A Shropshire dog trainer whose animals are alleged to have killed dozens of sheep was taken from court in an ambulance.
Charles Ross-Robertson, 64, from Stanton Lacy, near Ludlow, was set to enter a plea to charges following a suspected dog attack at a farm in Risbury, near Leominster, at Hereford Crown Court yesterday.
But he was taken away from the court building in an ambulance due to ill health before he could make it to the dock.
Ross-Robertson is charged with being the owner of a dog worrying livestock after the alleged attack on September 2, that is said to have left to the death of about 35 sheep.
He is also charged with two counts of being in charge of a dog being dangerously out of control in a public place and also of being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
At the time of the alleged offence Ross-Robertson lived at Risbury, but has since moved to the Ludlow area.
He had a business as an animal behaviourist specialising in training undisciplined and aggressive dogs.
Rachel Pennington, defending, said that upon his arrival at court he was "not in a fit state to take instruction" and she was concerned about his ability to understand and reflect on proceedings.
An ambulance was later called. Judge Abbas Mithani said: "Because of his ill health I will bail him until 10am Friday."
