Pair accused of handling a stolen Telford Japanese chin puppy
A man and a woman have appeared in court accused of handling a stolen Japanese Chin puppy from Telford.
Jamie Paul Impey, 37, of Telford, and Tracey Blevins, 44, of Wolverhampton, deny a single charge of handling stolen goods between August 5 and August 12, 2013.
The charge relates to a breed of dog allegedly stolen in a burglary and sold for £500 at a car boot sale in Chirk. Ian Windridge, prosecuting, told the the first day of the trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court that the case involves a dog breeder named Jessie Smith who lives in Donnington, Telford.
He told the court: "Miss Smith became aware of Tracey Blevins when they were discussing the sale of a dog." Mr Windridge said an older dog named Ginny was sold to Miss Blevins on the condition that if the dog was pregnant she would contact her.
The court heard it transpired Ginny was pregnant and two male puppies were born.
Mr Windridge added: "Then on August 6, 2013 whilst Miss Smith was away, there was a burglary at her property in which five puppies went missing. On August 11 Gemma Ross went to a car boot sale and purchased a Japanese chin puppy.
"Miss Ross became aware of a Facebook appeal about five stolen puppies and made contact with Miss Smith.
At some point, Impey, of Boulton Grange, and Blevins, of Codsall Road, were involved in the matter." The trial continues.