THE son of a champion sheep breeder has admitted defrauding his parents out of almost £10,000.

James Peel, 30, of Greystones Farm in Nether Silton, near Thirsk, pleaded guilty to six charges of fraud at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Peel is the son of Lester and Susan Peel – Mr Peel has won several titles at agricultural shows in North Yorkshire for his Suffolk flock, including twice taking supreme Suffolk champion at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Peel admitted to taking the cash from bank accounts of both of his parents over a period between December 2015 and July 2016, after his father was alerted by his bank that Peel had attempted to transfer money from his account using a faked signature.

Peel was charged with applying for a credit card under the name of Susan Peel in order to gain £1,315; having a letter requesting a money transfer with the forged signature of Lester Peel; stealing £5,559, £1,600 and £1,396 from three bank accounts of Mrs Peel; and stealing other loyalty cards belonging to Mrs Peel.

The court heard Mrs Peel’s statement to police that she and her husband, who both worked other jobs to supplement their farming income, had been supporting their son while he had been going through a period of unemployment.

Alison Whiteley, prosecuting, said: “Mrs Peel said in the two years his behaviour has changed. He became bad tempered and has not been able to hold down a job. Mrs Peel said she and Mr Peel have been helping him financially.”

Mrs Whiteley added: “In police interview Mr Peel made a full admission to his guilt and said he doesn’t have any money and had got involved with the wrong crowd in Thirsk.”

In mitigation, the court heard Peel was suffering from mental health issues and has an appointment to see a psychiatrist later this month. He was granted unconditional bail.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until Monday, February 27, so the probation service could prepare a report.