Emma Bent, 34, of High Edge Drive, is facing multiple charges ranging from obtaining money by deception, to storing dead animal carcasses in unlicensed premises, including a shed at her home.

She appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 15, to face the charges for the first time but did not enter a plea.

The charges, brought by the Crown Prosecution Service and Trading Standards, included six charges of fraud for receiving payment totalling £335 for the cremation of three dogs, two cats and a guinea pig that were allegedly not carried out.

Derbyshire Police launched a probe in to the operations at Peak Pet Cremations after a dog carcass was found in a field near Lower Hartshay on August 18, 2009.

Trading Standards instigated action over 16 alleged offences it claims were committed between October, 2006, and August, 2009, including allowing livestock to have access to animal remains, operating an unlicensed incineration plant for animal by products, and storing animal carcasses in unlicensed vehicles and buildings at farms in Ironville and Denby and her home in Heage, the court was told.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, May 13.

Bent was granted unconditional bail.