FARMER Lance Beale, who faces 21 charges relating to animal welfare legislation, is due in court on Monday.

Beale, of Wyatts Lake Farm, Westbrook near Bromham, entered not guilty pleas at an earlier hearing and the hearing at Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes is expected to last most of next week.

Wiltshire trading standards is prosecuting Beale for alleged offences, including eight allegations that on November 20, 2000 he caused unnecessary suffering to various sheep and lambs by failing to treat or destroy them when they were severely injured.

A further seven allegations state 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.

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