Illegal puppy farm owner faces jail after not paying £150k

William Derrick Perriton has failed to pay the full fine handed out after he and his partner caused dogs unnecessary suffering through their unlicensed puppy farm.

This is despite previously being granted an extension.

As reported, Perriton and Rebecca Heath avoided jail following a “landmark” Dorset Council investigation into their venture at their home in Three Legged Cross.

All puppies at the property were brought back to full health and successfully rehomed via an animal rescue charity.

Puppies found in an outbuilding at Perriton's address (Image: Dorset Council)

In November last year, Perriton was given three months to pay over £150,000 through a confiscation order or risk up to 18 months in prison.

A confiscation order is made against a convicted defendant ordering them to pay the amount of their financial benefit from crime.

As the defendants were selling puppies without a licence, the income they made from selling puppies needs to be paid.

Read more: Puppy farm couple must pay £150,000 or go to prison

At a Bournemouth Crown Court hearing on Tuesday, May 30, it was heard that despite being granted a three-month extension, Perriton had only paid around half of the fine.

Syan Ventom, prosecuting, said Perriton was seeking a further delay in payment and that he was in the process of selling his house.

Bournemouth Crown Court (Image: NQ)

However, Judge William Mousley KC noted that he was prohibited from extending the order beyond six months and that a decision on whether to send Perriton to prison had to be decided at Poole Magistrates' Court.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “We did not object to the first extension to six months but, now that period has expired, it is a matter for the Magistrates’ Court to decide whether to commit Mr Perriton to prison for not paying the confiscation order in full.

“Please note that, even if he is committed to custody, Mr Perriton will still be liable to pay the full order upon his release.”

Perriton and Heath were each sentenced to 200 hours of community service – the maximum possible following a guilty plea without imposing a custodial sentence.