THE trial of a Boscombe woman alleged to have kept 59 dogs in "appalling conditions" at a house in Shelley Road was adjourned on Wednesday when she failed to appear at Bournemouth magistrates court to begin her defence against 15 charges of animal cruelty.

The court heard that Johanna Price, 71, was being kept under observation at Royal Bournemouth Hospital following a "minor incident". But defence counsel, Michael Tomlinson, said he had received no advice from his instructing solicitors on Ms Price's condition, or when she was due to be released.

The chairman of the magistrates demanded that the defence go "straight to the top" of the hierarchy at Bournemouth hospital to find out the reason for Price's absence from court. "To the chief executive, if necessary," he said.

The session was resumed an hour later after a fax was received from the hospital confirming that Price was being held under observation. No diagnosis, or release date was given. Witnesses for the defence were sent home.

Price denies 15 counts of animal cruelty, and one count of breeding without a licence. The prosecution has alleged that dogs were kept in filthy cages with no ventilation.

The trial was adjourned until October 30, and will resume at Wareham magistrates court.