Three women are set to go on trial after denying theft and cruelty charges involving three young sheep owned by the King.

Rose Patterson, Rosa Sharkey and Sarah Foy have been charged with the theft of three lambs worth £415, belonging to King Charles III, from the Sandringham Estate between May 24 and May 25.

Patterson, 34, whose address was given in court as Langley Lane, London; Sharkey, 23, of Mayville Estate, London and Foy, 23, of North Street, Alfreton, Derbys, have also each been charged with three counts of cruelty for removing the lambs from their mothers.

Eastern Daily Press: Sheep on the Sandringham EstateSheep on the Sandringham Estate (Image: Ian Burt)They also each face three counts of failing to record the movement of a lamb, contrary to the sheep and goats records, identification and movement order.

The trio entered not guilty pleas via videolink to all three charges during a 30-minute hearing at King's Lynn magistrates court on Thursday afternoon.

They were bailed to appear before Norwich Crown Court on October 26.

Eastern Daily Press: The three lambs owned by the King were said to be worth £415The three lambs owned by the King were said to be worth £415 (Image: PA)They were bailed on condition they do not enter Norfolk, except to answer bail, attend legal appointments or court and do not enter any Royal estate where farming takes place.