A judge has criticised the prosecution of a woman who risked going to jail for dogs she feared would die.

Kimberley White admitted illegally receiving the 10 animals which had belonged to a Ramsgate conman who had ripped off millions of pounds of public funds.

The 32-year-old single mum, who runs an animal sanctuary called The Retreat, wept as the judge criticised the decision to bring criminal charges against her over the incident.

White, of Brickyard Farm, near Ashford Road, High Halden, admitted handling three German and Belgian shepherd dogs and the seven puppies which had been stolen.

"She is a person who lives, breathes and sleeps her work looking after dogs. She made no money out of placing the animals. Her objective was to find them good and loving homes" - Marilyn Vitte

They had been taken from the Ramsgate home of Timothy Springett after he was arrested on Bonfire Night last year for siphoning more than
£1.5 million from a government-funded organisation to help the jobless.

Springett had splashed the cash on a lavish lifestyle, with designer watches, sports cars and luxury holidays.

But Canterbury Crown Court heard how while he was being quizzed about the fraud, he asked his estranged wife to arrange care for the 10 animals, which were housed at his home in Whinfell Avenue.

Prosecutor Katherine Hirst told how after his release from police custody he discovered the animals, which he claimed were worth £20,000, missing.

Neighbours had revealed they had seen a van with White’s animal rescue centre logo loading the animals, which also included a malinois, a type of Belgian shepherd dog, which belonged to a friend of Springett.

Initially, it was suspected the animals had been seized by a landlord in lieu of non-payment by Springett of his rent.

The retreat was contacted, but a member of staff denied any knowledge of the disappearance of the animals.

Despite a complaint to police, some of the animals – which had been microchipped – were only located when they were being offered on an animal website months later.

White later claimed she had been given the animals on a “no questions asked” basis and concealed that because she feared the dogs would be put down.

Marilyn Vitte, defending, said the animals were seriously malnourished and she had spent more than £5,000 of her own money caring for them.

She said: “Many of the puppies were close to death and she had wanted to care for them. She has now learned a harsh lesson.

“But she is a person who lives, breathes and sleeps her work looking after dogs. She made no money out of placing the animals. Her objective was to find them good and loving homes.

Ms Vitte added that after some of the animals were later returned to Springett and after his jailing were given to the RSPCA and later put down.

Judge Heather Norton gave White a conditional discharge for a year after she had pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

She said: “I have little to say on the matter but it seems to me to more than just coincidence that two people should have stolen these dogs and then passed them on to you.

“However, why it was thought to be in the public interest to bring this prosecution I just don’t understand,” she added.