Woman faces 40 drugs and animal welfare charges

Nicola Sally Henton, formerly of Old Wantage Road, Upper Lambourn, gave an address in Eastbury Fields when she appeared at West Berkshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 9.
She spoke only to confirm her name and address and did not indicate a plea to any of the charges.
The 50-year-old faces two charges involving the Class B drug cannabis - one count of possessing 114 grams of female flowering heads plus 26 plants with intent to supply and one of producing cannabis, both at Upper Lambourn on May 21 this year.
The remaining 38 charges involve allegations of animal neglect and failure to ensure the proper welfare of a number of horses and dogs.
The charges involving dogs concern a range of breeds including chihuahuas, a doberman, a whippet, a Bedlington terrier, Jack Russells, lurcher crosses, a German shepherd, Chinese crested dogs and an assortment of cross-breed puppies.
The charges typically involve allegations of lack of food and water, poor living conditions, parasite infestations and disease.
The charges involving horses are similar in nature and relate to two mares and a gelding.
Helen Waite, prosecuting, told the court: “These matters should be sent to the Crown court as your powers of punishment are insufficient.”
Charles Elton, for Ms Henton, made no representations and, after retiring with colleagues to consider the matter, presiding magistrate Nicola Buchanan-Dunlop said: “The bench declines jurisdiction.”
She further ruled that all the charges should be heard together.
Ms Henon was released on bail, with conditions that she does not contact a named RSPCA inspector or the Dogs Trust in Newbury.
She is due to appear for a preliminary hearing at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, November 6.