THE trial of Bromham farmer Lance Beale, who faces 19 charges under animal health legislation, is expected to start on Monday.

Mr Beale, of Wyatts Lake Farm, Westbrook, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges at a previous court hearing.

Eight of the charges accuse Mr Beale of causing unnecessary suffering to various sheep and lambs on November 20, 2000 by failing to treat or destroy them when they were severely injured.

A further seven allegations say that he caused unnecessary suffering to sheep and lambs by failing to treat or seek veterinary advice for emaciation and lameness on January 17, 19 and 25, 2001.

He also faces four charges of failing to dispose of sheep carcasses without undue delay on January 25, 2001.

Wiltshire County Council's trading standards department is prosecuting Mr Beale.

The trial takes place at Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes, is listed for five days and will be heard by a stipendiary magistrate.