'Our lives are at a standstill' - Family of beloved dog which disappeared in Midhurst still searching for answers after court case delay
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A family, whose dog went missing whilst they were on holiday near Midhurst last year, have spoken about the 'immensely frustrating' delays in finding answers about what happened to their beloved pet.
Spillo, who is believed to have been stolen, hasn't been seen since last July, at a cottage in Ingrams Green Lane, three miles outside Midhurst.
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Hide AdWith the help of a highly-trained pet detective, Laura Bierer-Nielsen and her family, from Wandsworth in London, have gathered evidence and brought a private prosecution against a suspect.
The first hearing was scheduled for February 26 at Brighton Magistrates' Court but this has since been adjourned until July.
Laura said the family were not given a reason for the last-minute delay, 'despite this case being about a live animal'.
"It's been immensely frustrating," she said. "We will be going back to court a year after Spillo was taken from us.
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Hide Ad"The constant delay is holding up our lives. Our lives are at a standstill while we are waiting for this to come to a conclusion.
"We can't move forward unless we have some form of closure, whether that's getting him back or knowing where he is. That's all we want and all we've asked for, from day one."
A spokesperson for Sussex Magistrates Courts said that, due to lockdown restrictions and the 'reduction of footfall in our buildings', it has been 'necessary to adjourn some of our non-urgent business'.
"This includes the majority of our non CPS (Crown Prosecution Service] cases," they said.
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Hide Ad"Cases remain under review and as we move out of lockdown we may be in a position to bring cases forward."
Laura said they delays have been 'incredibly difficult to deal with' but wanted to thank the Midhurst community for its support.
She added: "It's almost been a year and we still get messages from people on a daily basis in the area. It's just so heartwarming.
"We get messages every single day of support and kindness from complete strangers. Some saying they have seen a dog that looks like Spillo and think they might have found him.
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Hide Ad"Some of the people who helped with the search have become very firm friends.
"We are incredibly grateful for the kindness from people in Sussex. It's literally blown us away."