Dog fighting duo facing jail

Two men were told today that they face jail after admitting their part in a dog-fighting ring exposed after an investigation by the RSPCA.

Gary Adamson, 38, of Ramsey Crescent, Yarm, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to six charges in connection with illegal dog-fighting.

Kenneth King, 35, of Main Street, Ragnall, Newark, Nottinghamshire, admitted eight charges related to fighting banned pit bull terriers.

The charges faced by the men include taking part in or being present at dog fights.

At Lincoln Magistrates' Court today, both Adamson and King were told by District Judge Richard Blake that they face a jail sentence.

He told the pair: "You have entered pleas to serious matters and you can be under no illusions as to the gravity of your situation.

"Clearly my starting point has got to be custody."

Christopher Burgess, 42, of Longstone Way, Ladybrook, Mansfield, Notts, was told he would probably receive a community sentence during today's hearing after he pleaded guilty to one charge of keeping a banned dog.

All three will be sentenced on September 25.

Tomorrow a trial is due to begin of a woman and two men, who deny charges that they were part of the same ring.

Claire Parker, 44, of Kexby Lane, Kexby, Lincolnshire, faces three charges in connection with dog-fighting, while Mohammed Farooq, 33, of Daniels Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, is accused of five charges related to the ring.

He earlier admitted one charge of keeping a banned animal.

A 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces three charges connected to illegal dog-fighting, having also admitted keeping a banned animal.

The three face charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and possessing training equipment for dog-fighting.