A GANG of crooks who sold sick and dying puppies after advertising them as healthy and home bred are set to be sentenced.

Four people are due to appear in court next week in relation to their involvement in an Essex puppy dealing ring, in a prosecution case brought by the RSPCA.

Tony Hammond, of Brunswick Court, Upminster; Roxanne Montgomery, of Grafton Road, Dagenham; Vicky Montgomery, of Melford Avenue, Barking; and Teresa Wade, of Ship Lane, Aveley, are due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday February 1at 10am for a sentencing hearing. All four previously pleaded guilty to one offence each of conspiracy to commit fraud.