A husband and wife have been fined £42,473 after admitting running an unlicensed pet shop and breeding establishment.

David and Patricia Jones were handed the fine during a proceeds of crime hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.

They pleaded guilty last April after an investigation dating back to February 2012 by Chelmsford Council over their premises at Oaklands New Lodge Farm, in Little Baddow.

The investigation started after a complaint from someone who had bought two puppies, only for them to fall ill shortly afterwards.

Ian Grundy, councillor responsible for safer communities, said he hopes this case deters others from breaching their licenses.