TV singing contest winner admits illegal dog breeding

A TV singing competition winner has admitted to being involved in illegal dog breeding and fraud.

Sara Pritchard Davies, a previous winner of S4C's Cân i Gymru singing contest, admitted knowingly taking part in a fraudulent business between March 2015 and November 2023.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of being involved in a fraudulent business relating to illegal dog breeding, and another of acquiring £33,629 from criminal conduct.

When each charge was put to her, she responded by saying "Euog", the Welsh word for guilty.

The case was brought by Ceredigion County Council's trading standards team.

In December last year, Thomas John Jones, 28, also pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent dog breeding business between March 2015 and November 2023.

Swansea Crown Court heard Davies was no longer "associated romantically" with Thomas John Jones, and that the former couple had "parted ways".

Defence barrister Ieuan Rees KC said Davies was of "pleasing character" and worked as a part-time teacher.

Davies, who is originally from Old Colwyn, in Conwy county, will be sentenced on 14 December, with the court being told neither she nor Jones would receive an immediate custodial sentence.

Prosecuting barrister Owen Edwards KC told Swansea Crown Court at a previous hearing that the business was worth about £1m, with profits approaching the same amount.

Nerys Wyn Davies, 56, from Penrhiwllan, Ceredigion, previously pleaded guilty to charges relating to illegal dog breeding at an earlier hearing.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Ellen Bailey, 31, from Llangrannog, pleaded guilty to "making an article in the commission of fraud" and providing false information in relation to nine dachshund puppies at Castle House Veterinary Practice.

Three other defendants – David Bethell, 37, from Llandysul, Cara Barrett, 39, from Carmarthen, and David Peter Jones, 77, from Llandysul – all admitted the same charge and received a caution.

Councillor Euros Davies, 61, from Cwmsychpant, 29-year-old Rhydian Davies, from Prengwyn, and Delyth Mathias, 30, from Cardiff, were found not guilty at a hearing in October after the prosecution offered no evidence against them.

Rebecca Bailey and Nerys Wyn Davies are also due to be sentenced on 14 December.