A couple who conned animal lovers out of hundreds of pounds during a ‘dogs for sale’ scam receive almost £2,000 in benefits every month.

Jacqueline and William Warner advertised dog grooming kits and whippets online, posting pictures on facebook urging potential buyers to get in touch.

The couple, who used a different name, even met one victim at their Northwich home who transferred more than £150 for the two dogs – but he contacted the police after never getting his paws on the pets.

The whole thing was a scam, which saw William Warner con a further five people out of £272 after promising them dog grooming equipment which was never delivered.

But the husband and wife, who have a 23 year age difference and live in Riddings Lane in Hartford, rake in £1,984 every month in benefits and have more than 50 previous offences to their names.

Husband, 60, and wife, 37, both pleaded guilty to fraud after conning victim Eric Walker out of cash for whippets between March 25-April 30 last year.

William Warner also pleaded guilty to five further counts of fraud, during the hearing at Chester Magistrates Court.

“[Victim] Mr Walker saw an advert on Pets 4 Homes for two whippet dogs for sale in Winsford,” said Rob Youds prosecuting, who said the couple used the name Hannah Donoghue.

“He electronically transferred £150 to the account, didn’t hear anything further and reported it to the police.”

Mrs Warner, who has 36 offences to her name, including 14 previous theft and dishonesty matters, was said to have breached a suspended sentence by committing the crimes.

Her husband has 18 offences on his record.

The case was adjourned for reports. The pair are due back before the court on February 18.