A PRIZE winning farmer has been fined £300 for leaving 67 sheep carcasses strewn on a section of his land.

The grizzly discovery of the bodies in various stages of decay, was made by police officers in February, after concerned ramblers spotted the dead sheep from footpaths.

Stephen Peel, 54, of Brookhouse Green Farm, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty after being prosecuted under trading standards laws aimed at preventing the spread of disease.

Defending, John Houldsworth, told Hyndburn Magistrates that a ‘catalogue of disasters’ had prevented his client from discovering the sheep earlier.

He told the court a recent rise in prices meant the farm was operating at a loss, without any hired help.

He added a severe illness had incapacitated the farmer over the Christmas period, just before his daughter’s health suffered a blow.

The 13-year-old had woken up one day unable to move one side of her body.

While she was at hospital undergoing tests for a suspected brain tumour, Mr Houldsworth said farm tasks had naturally suffered.

He added: “Last but not least, Mr Peel’s quad bike had broken down and he was not able to check on all animals as usual.

"He was unaware of any problems with the flock, who would have usually spent the winter outside, without additional care.”

He said the cause of the deaths was unknown, but a second flock had been unaffected.

The court heard the farmer had won prizes at the Royal Lancashire Show in 2006, including Breed Supreme Champion and Best Show Champion.

Mr Houldsworth added: “This is a very sad day for Mr Peel, who entered the business on leaving school.

"A catalogue of disasters beyond his control led to this unfortuante incident.”

Prosecuting, Nick McNamara said: “Not directly disposing of carcasses, sounds like a technical charge but essentially stops disease spreading to other farms and animals.”

He added that the charge can carry a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment at crown court.

Magistrates ordered Peel to pay a fine of £300 and to pay £385 court costs as well as a victim surcharge.

Chairman of the bench Geoff Knowles said: “We have listened to what has been said and the aggravating features are that 67 animals were involved.

“We have taken into account your guilty plea and the personal circumstances that surround this incident.”