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A Wallasey mother and her sons have pleaded guilty to neglecting a jaw-dropping number of animals after changing their plea on the day their trial was due to begin - September 10.
As reported by the Wirral Globe, Helen Miles, 49, and her sons Joseph Luker, 23, and Matthew Luker, 20, had been set to face a three-day trial at Wirral Magistrates' Court.
The trial was already pushed back till this morning, but the defendants were seen speaking to their solicitor today, and the court was reportedly informed of their changed plea just before 11:30 am this morning.
This effectively means the three have now admitted to the charges against them, admitting to allegedly neglecting 19 dogs, 42 rabbits, 42 rats, three mice, two chinchillas, three degus, two gerbils, 42 birds of various species, six quails, 18 parrots, six guinea pigs and one leopard gecko. The total number of animals in the case is 190!
Ms Miles told the court in a hearing in March 2026 that she was"definitely not guilty". Now, six months later, all three responded to all 190 charges against them with guilty pleas.
The charges go back almost two years to October 2024. Merseyside Police and the RSPCA were called to address in Hylton Avenue, Wallasey.
RSPCA prosecutor Peter Mitchell said at the earlier hearing that the defendants "did not take steps to ensure 190 animals were safe and failed to provide a suitable environment".
All three were arrested and charged under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which places a duty on those responsible for animals to ensure their welfare.
A person commits an offence under the section if they do not take reasonable steps to meet an animal's needs, including providing a suitable diet and environment, appropriate housing and protection from pain, suffering, injury or disease.
Judge Andrew Hatton ordered a pre-sentence report ahead of sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on October 10. The defendants were granted unconditional bail.
