A LEIGH couple were due to appear at Wigan Magistrates Court today (Thursday) faced with RSPCA animal cruelty charges.

Stanley Raymond, aged 55, and wife Hazel, of Newlands Road, are charged with causing unnecessary suffering to their St Bernard dog, Neiko.

Wigan magistrates adjourned the case to this date after they were told at the couple's last appearance that 45-year-old Mrs Raymond has been issued with a medical certificate for stress related illness, and was unfit to attend.