THE RSPCA has praised a determined and brave North- East man who played a vital role exposing an illegal dog fighting ring.

Undercover reporter Stephen Paul Ibinson, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, gathered information on sickening dog fights and animal cruelty as part of a BBC Panorama investigation.

Seven people are to face sentence after two major investigations into dog fighting by the RSPCA’s special operations unit named Operations Cannons and Castle.

Crucial evidence provided by Mr Ibinson, who recently died of a heart attack in Afghanistan, helped bring the group before the Courts Gary Adamson, of Yarm, Owen Batey, 40, of Middlesbrough, Kenneth King, 35, of Newark, and Christopher Burgess, 42, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, have been told they face jail for the part they played on one of the biggest cases of its kind, after admitting their roles.

Claire Parker, 44, of Kexby, Lincolnshire, Mohammed Farooq, 33, of Birmingham, and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been convicted at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court for various offences relating to dog fighting Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, of the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “A search warrant was executed in eight counties across the UK and involved joint RSPCA and police teams.

“The operation unearthed 35 fighting dogs, of which more than half had sustained fight injuries. Dog-fighting paraphernalia was also found, including treadmills and breaking sticks.

“As a result, ten people have now been convicted. The RSPCA feels much of the credit for this success is due to the determination and bravery of the late Mr Ibinson.

“Dog fighting is a barbaric and cruel so-called sport, which belongs in the dark ages. Horrific suffering is caused to the dogs involved.

Those that continue to pursue this activity should understand that the RSPCA and police will continue to bring them before the courts.”

The investigation, care of dogs seized, and court case has cost the animal charity about £250,000.

More than 30 charges including organising, attending and refereeing dog fights and possessing dangerous dogs and cruelty were brought against the group.

They will be sentenced at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 25.