A "SUICIDAL" farmer threatened with jail after hiding and piling up dozens of rotting and stinking animal carcases has kept his freedom.

And the case of Nigel David Pepper prompted the National Union of Farmers (NFU) to urged anyone facing problems to go to them for help, advice and support.

Burnley magistrates heard that instead of disposing of bodies after he was ordered to by animal health and welfare inspectors, Pepper showed a "flagrant disobedience" of instructions and dumped them on an adjoining premises.

Pepper, of Back Lane, Briercliffe, admitted refusing admission to agents, 19 allegations of contravening the 1981 Animal Health Act and one of contravening database regulations, all on March 13 2003.

He was given a four month prison sentence, suspended for a year and ordered to pay £200 costs.

The court heard how he had two previous similar convictions, was subject of a conditional discharge and had been warned he could end up behind bars. The court was told that the stressed and hard-up 40-year-old, hit by the BSE crisis, had "demanded in no uncertain terms" inspectors leave his Burnley farm.

He said police had to be called to the premises while on an previous visit by officials Pepper had been in emotional state and would not answer questions.

The defendant, whose wife had been so worried about his depressed state she had taken his guns off him, wiped away tears as the bench told him they could spare him immediate prison.

Magistrates said the farming industry had been going through an exceptional period at the time and his judgement had been clouded.

After the case, NFU spokesman, Carl Hudspith added: "The NFU encourages farmers to follow all rules and regulations.

"It also encourages any farmer who is having problems to come forward and seek help."

Nicholas McNamara, prosecuting for the Trading Standards Department, told the court inspectors found 10 cow and 23 sheep carcases. They then went to a neighbouring premises and found a further 18 carcases piled up in the back of a trailer.

There was a "putrefying stench" around the trailer. Some of the bodies were among carcases found on an inspection six weeks earlier and which Pepper had been told to dispose of. Others were hidden under hay or polythene and officials discovered carcases in a building used for live animals.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said Pepper had not shown a flagrant disregard for the regulations.

The defendant had been prescribed anti-depressants and his actions were not those of a rational man but he now had help, support and counselling.

Mr Church-Taylor said the BSE crisis prevented the movement of stock, Pepper could not sell his animals and that led to overstocking on the farm. He said the defendant had not been entitled to compensation and was in desperate financial straits.