An unlicensed dog breeder who hid a phone in a microwave during a raid has been fined £4,000.

Paulo Esteves, 62, previously of Elm High Road in Wisbech, pleaded guilty to one count of unlicensed dog breeding at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court following an investigation.

It was found that he had sold several litters for £17,550 in 2022 and 2023 alone and that he had been placing adverts for unreputedly bred dogs as far back as 2016.

The initial tip-off came after the council's licensing team received reports that an unhealthy adult dog had been purchased from the breeder after he had previously ignored advice about getting a licence. 

A search warrant was then carried out at his home in August 2023 leading to the discovery of two German Shepherd puppies suffering from ear problems and their mother.

Jim Moriarty, cabinet member for licensing said: "In this case, the defendant deliberately obstructed our investigation.

"When the warrant was executed he attempted to hide one of the seven mobile phones seized in his microwave.

"He ignored earlier warnings that he required a licence to carry out his business and needed to look after the wellbeing of his dogs."

Estaves was fined £4,000 and has been banned from keeping animals for three years.

He will also serve a 12-month community order requiring him to work 300 hours unpaid.