Farmer jailed for false calf claims

08 January 1999

Farmer jailed for false calf claims

By FW reporters

A NORTH Shropshire farmer has been jailed after pleading guilty to submitting ineligible calves to the calf processing scheme.

Derek Whittall of Oaklands Farm, Weston under Redcastle, was sentenced to nine months after pleading guilty to five offences during August 1996.

Judge Michael Mander told Mr Whittall that the sentence was a clear message to others who might try to take advantage of BSE-related compensation schemes.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard that Mr Whittall 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 £7000.

The case was brought by Shropshire County Councils trading standards department which is investigating other farmers and dealers.