Farmer jailed for false calf claims
Farmer jailed for false calf claims
NORTH Shropshire farmer Derek Whittall was jailed for nine months this week after pleading guilty to five offences related to submitting ineligible calves, backed by false paperwork, to the calf processing scheme in August 1996.
Judge Michael Mander told Mr Whittall, Oaklands Farm, Weston under Redcastle, that the sentence was a clear message to others who might be minded to try to take advantage of BSE-related compensation schemes.
Shrewsbury Crown Court heard that Mr Whittall had altered or forged documents relating to calves of the wrong breed or age to make them eligible for the processing scheme. In all, 72 ineligible animals were slaughtered at a Cheshire abattoir for which Mr Whittall received £7,000.
The case was brought by Shropshire County Councils trading standards department.
Further investigations are underway involving other farmers and dealers.