A MAN with learning difficulties has blamed Essex Police for the death of ten puppies after he was taken into custody.

James Gardiner admitted restricting a constable in the execution of his duty when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

He claimed he was only resisting arrest because he had to feed and provide water for the puppies first and, because he was not able to, they died.

Stephen Sparkes, prosecuting, told the court it was 3.20pm on December 16 when police were called by the defendant.

Gardiner, 35, of Humber Avenue, Jaywick, had called officers himself to claim he had been assaulted.

Mr Sparkes said when police arrived officers were told it was Gardiner who had committed assault and he was arrested.

He said: “He refused to be handcuffed. A police officer suffered a cut to his finger.”

He told the court the report stated there was saliva on the police officer’s finger and he required medical treatment at hospital.

Selena Dines, mitigating, said: “He has learning difficulties. He called police and wanted to describe the assault on him.

“He was making the complaint of assault.

“He has dogs in the property. There had been a litter of ten puppies.

“He said he had to sort the dogs out to make sure they had food and water.

“The police officer would not let this happen.

“The puppies all died. He is incredibly upset about that.”

Gardiner was fined £80 and ordered to pay costs and charges.

No assault charges were brought against anyone involved.

Essex Police has defended itself claiming Gardiner refused help with the puppies.

A spokesman said: “When Gardiner was being placed in the back of a police car having been arrested he asked a friend whether he would look after his dogs while he was at the police station.

“The arresting officers had no reason to think this friend would not do so.

“Later when Gardiner became agitated in custody about the welfare of his dogs the custody staff asked him if there was anyone who they could contact to look after the animals or whether officers could go to his property to feed and water them.

“This was refused.”

He was released from custody on the morning of December 17.