A family accused of animal cruelty at the sanctuary they ran are due back at Bicester Magistrates’ Court on May 8.

Angela Russell, 44, her father, brother, three children, niece and carer are all jointly charged with 16 counts of animal welfare offences relating to Crunchy’s Animal Rescue, in Longworth.

The case was due to resume yesterday, but Russell has been taken ill and the hearing was adjourned.

Russell, of Faringdon Road, Longworth, denies the charges along with the other defendants.