A NORTHWICH man has failed to appear in court in relation to eight charges of smuggling puppies into the country.

Almost 100 puppies were found in the back of two lorries at the Holyhead Port border in November.

The incident involved various breeds including Beagles, Basset Hounds, Labradoodles and Pomeranians.

Ben James Illidge, 33, from Wilson Crescent, was due to appear at Caenarfan Magistrates Court in North Wales on June 7, on eight charges relating to the incident, but failed to show up to court.

A message to the court stated that he would not being attending as he is now living in Ireland.

Caenarfan Magistrates Court confirmed that a warrant has now been issued for his arrest.