Odds Pet albino rat 'delays sentencing' 2009-Nov-17 13:59:35
A man has temporarily escaped sentencing after taking his pet rat to an appointment with his probation service.
Allan Page, of Arlesey, Bedfordshire, had already pleaded guilty to fare-dodging, begging on a train and possession of cannabis, Bedfordshire On Sunday reports.
The 39-year-old said: "I had cycled from Hitchin to Bedford that day and I didn't realise that I couldn't bring the animal with me.
"They said it was for hygiene reasons but I said it was my animal and he goes everywhere with me, even to the doctor's. It did annoy me because I didn't think it would be a problem."
Last Wednesday, Bedford Magistrates' Court gave Page until November 19 to attend another appointment with officials to prepare his probation reports but warned him: "No pet rat this time please."
Defence lawyer Martin Bellis confirmed that Page was now aware that he could not take his albino rat, named Rizla, into the office with him.
