Criminal

The number of criminal cases waiting to be heard at crown courts is at its highest in a year and could have “major consequences” for victims and witnesses.

Mickey Paulk said his pet, named Deeznutz, was not a threat to anyone and denied feeding it meth. Police are still looking for Paulk.

A woman who stole thousands of pounds from a vulnerable pensioner has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.