A FARMER caught with rotting sheep carcasses and unregistered cattle on his farm has been spared jail.

Investigating officers from Durham County Council found 33 dead sheep on South Brandon Farm in Brancepath, County Durham, last April after a complaint from a passer-by.

Carcasses in various states of decay were found on the 600 acre farm, including some on the Deerness Walkway between Stanley Crook and Waterhouses, and a skeleton behind a water trough.

The owner, Ian Oliver, 49, appeared at Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court today, where he pleaded guilty to seven charges of possessing animal bi-products.

He also admitted two charges of failing to keep an up-to-date register of animal movements, and another two of failing to complete a cattle register after buying cows from Northallerton and Leyburn.

In mitigation, Mr Simon Catterall, from the region's National Farmers Union solicitor Mincoff Jacksons, said Oliver keeps 900 sheep on the farm, and the offences occurred at the peak of lambing season.

"He should have gathered the carcasses for disposal, but was overwhelmed and did not have the time or energy to do so," said Mr Catterall.

"His focus was on looking after the ones which were still alive."

Magistrates imposed a twelve-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and a six-month supervision order.

Oliver was also ordered to pay £1,165 costs.

After the hearing, Mr Catterall said: "This is a wake-up call for all sheep farmers, especially with the approach of the lambing season when casualty stock is inevitable."