Raymond Cherry, 66, of Southfleet Avenue, is alleged to have caused unnecessary suffering to 12 cats, four rabbits and two dogs.

Cherry, who faces six offences of causing suffering to animals, did not attend the court hearing. The prosecution, brought by the RSPCA, was adjourned to September 3 by Blackpool magistrates.

Bike thefts linked

FOUR bicycles went missing in Fleetwood and Thornton.

And officers now suspect they may have been taken by the same culprits.

Insp Sam Mackenzie, of Fleetwood Police, said: "People are leaving their bikes on their driveways or leaning against walls and someone is coming in a vehicle and putting them into the back. That is my suspicion, based on the nature of the crimes."

Laptop stolen

A TOSHIBA laptop computer and a projector were stolen from Trinity Baptist Church on Poulton Road, Fleetwood.

A thief forced the front doors of the church to get the haul, valued at £300.