A SHEPHERD from Warminster was banned from keeping livestock for 10 years after admitting he neglected a flock of 600 sheep.

Mark Potter, 27, of St Andrew's Road, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates' Court last Friday, after pleading guilty to leaving sheep carcasses on farmland, failing to provide his flock with an adequate diet, and depriving them of water.

RSPCA inspectors visited Mr Potter's flock on private farmland at Fisherton de la Mere and Deptford Manor Farm, Wylye, after receiving complaints from the public about dead sheep carcasses left in fields.

Wiltshire County Council trading standards officer John Devlin admitted he was pleased with the prosecution and ban, which he said was appropriate to the seriousness of the incident.

He said: "Animal welfare inspectors saw quite a few carcasses and some animals in a bad state.

"One had to be put down on farmland at Fisherton de la Mere but a few days later we were called out to Deptford, where there was a second case of very, very thin sheep and some which were virtually dead."

"We were pleased with the prosecution and that the court took my advice to ban him from looking after livestock for a period of between 10 and 15 years."

Altogether 14 sheep, including lambs and ewes, had to be humanely put down and several thin and emaciated sheep were put in the care of the RSPCA.

Potter had claimed in defence that personal circumstances were to blame for his neglect of the flock.

Mr Devlin said: "There were personal circumstances such as his father committing suicide, but he just got out of his depth.

"I think the courts are clued up on animal welfare and take a dim view of any farmer or shepherd who neglects his animals. Although it is a difficult time for the farming industry and for all concerned, that is no excuse for letting your animals starve or suffer.

"It would have been quite distressing for the animals and it was a question of him not being able to cope."

Potter, who now works as a tree feller and logger, was also sentenced to 200 hours' community service and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £500.