A HORSE dealer accused of serious fraud and equestrian regulation breaches has been returned for trial after a judge warned no further delay would be permitted, due to the accused having “absolutely exhausted the court’s patience”.

Emma Elizabeth Bamber (41), who previously operated from County Tyrone, but now with an address of Bridge Street, Preston, faces a total of 18 charges, comprising eight counts of fraud by false representation, seven of failing to provide horse passport at the time of transfer in ownership, two of forgery and a single count of engaging in misleading commercial practice.

The offending is alleged to have occurred on various dates between April and December 2018.

The charges include making false contentions to customers, including claiming a horse was an Irish Sport Horse and another had a full set of x-rays and five-stage vetting.

In another matter, it was claimed a horse was an “extremely talented show jumper and sound in all ways” and in another it was claimed a horse was suitable for children, when in fact it was an ex-racehorse.

There are also a number of counts, in which Bamber allegedly dishonestly informed a number of customers once a deposit was paid – ranging from £325 to £2,200 – that horses would be delivered, however none were.

In a further matter, she is accused of forging an instrument, namely a screenshot of a purported bank transfer for £3,200, which was allegedly sent to a customer to indicate a refund.

The multiple charges of failing to provide horse passports to new owners at the time of transfer are in contravention of Equine Identification Regulations, which came into law in 2019.

At the latest sitting of Limavady Magistrates Court, a defence barrister said the committal hearing to send the case for trial was not in a position to proceed.

She accepted the court had previously adjourned the case to a date Bamber was to be in attendance, however she “has instructed she is unwell and we have advised her to obtain a medical report”.

In response, District Judge Peter King noted the defendant was currently residing outside the jurisdiction and told the defence he would allow a short period of time to have Bamber appear by video-link or, “she is risking an arrest warrant. I’m not minded to let this matter go beyond today. She has absolutely exhausted the court’s patience”.

To ensure an Arrest Warrant could be issued if required, Judge King had the police in charge of the case formally confirm all matters against Bamber could be connected.

Around an hour later, she appeared by video-link, speaking only to confirm her identity and that she understood all charges against her.

She declined to call witnesses or give evidence on her own behalf at this stage in proceedings.

A prosecuting lawyer said there is a case to answer, which was agreed by Judge King.

He remanded her on £500 bail to appear for arraignment at Coleraine Crown Court, sitting in Antrim on February 28.

In concluding, Judge King told Bamber: “I’m giving you a clear warning - an extremely dim view will be taken if you do not appear in person for arraignment. The crown court will be much quicker to issue an arrest warrant”.