A LIVESTOCK owner has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to seven offences of breaching animal health and welfare legislation.

Andrew Cockerill, who keeps cattle at the Grazings, by Rosedale Abbey on the North York Moors, was also banned from keeping any animals for ten years.

He appeared before Scarborough magistrates following an investigation by North Yorkshire’s trading standards service which began last year.

Officers visited Cockerill’s farm numerous times between July and December. They found approximately 50 cattle in hazardous and potentially dangerous conditions.

The housed area was four feet deep in dirty bedding and the access to water outside was via deep, thick mud and slurry. Despite advice no action was taken to remove the hazards.

Other problems included immature heifers being kept with a bull, presenting danger to the heifers.

In addition, calving cows had no access to a well-drained bedded lying area as required by animal welfare rules.

Cockerill was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to do 150 hours community service.

He was also ordered to pay costs of more than £1,600 and received a 10-year ban from keeping all animals.