A MAN accused of stealing three English springer spaniels from their kennels in Chalford last year was finally back in court yesterday.

Martin MacDonagh, 45, was charged last June in connection with stealing the dogs Maddie, Harley and Brandy from padlocked kennels in January 2016.

He denied the accusations and was due to appear in court again in September and October for the trial.

But after he failed to show up at court, warrants were issued for his arrest and he spent more than six months on the run from police.

Earlier this month he was arrested by officers and on Tuesday, March 28 he was finally hauled before a court again.

He appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates' Court from police custody, where he was remanded him in custody until Wednesday, April 5.

The three female dogs were stolen from Scott Manson in Chalford.

One of the dogs, Brandy, was later found in Bristol and returned to the owner. The other two have not been located.