A GREYHOUND trainer who neglected his dogs as he binged on drink and drugs will be sentenced next month.

Magistrates found four neglect charges brought against Clive Elliott proved in his absence after he failed to turn up to court last week. A warrant was issued for the 40-year-old's arrest.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates' Court a couple of days later, Elliott was granted unconditional bail to return to the same court on February 7.

READ MORE: Greyhound stuffed in freezer and others starved at Swindon dog kennel

Last week, magistrates heard three of his dogs were found dead when an RSPCA inspector joined police on a visit to Elliott's mother's Pinehurst home last April. The dogs were kennelled at the Limes Avenue semi-detached house.

One of the dead dogs had been stuffed into a bin liner and left in a fridge.

The surviving dogs were malnourished. Some had abscesses and mouth disease.