"There was no regard for the welfare of these animals, he kept sheep at his home with their legs tied before inhumanely killing them."
A man who stole sheep from a farm and then slaughtered them for meat in his garage has been fined £150.
West Mercia Police said Vladut Boberschi, 34, of Telford, had stolen five sheep from a undisclosed smallholding in Shropshire in April 2020.
Boberschi had taken the sheep to a garage, tied them up by their legs, before slaughtering them illegally for meat.
He then fled the UK shortly after the incident.
However, on his return to the country in 2023, he was arrested by police officers.
Boberschi was then found guilty at trial of handling stolen goods at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday (October 24).
He was handed a 12-month community order, with conditions to work 150 hours unpaid and received a £150 fine.
As part of the community order, Boberschi must report to a supervision officer and announce any changes to his address address.
Martin Beck, a national livestock theft coordinator, has warned there are more criminals targeting farmers in a similar fashion.
"Boberschi was caught at the end stages of illegally slaughtering stolen sheep," Mr Beck added.
"There was no regard for the welfare of these animals, he kept sheep at his home with their legs tied before inhumanely killing them.
"These sheep were also unfit for human consumption as they had been medicated by the farmer prior to being stolen and slaughtered in an unhygienic environment.
"Thousands of farm animals are reported missing and stolen each year across the UK.
"This exposes how illegally prepared meat could have serious implications if consumed.
"We believe that there are other people like Boberschi out there doing this.
"The National Rural Crime Unit is working with police forces, the Food Standards Agency, local authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Teams to support livestock theft investigations.
"Livestock theft does not just affect our farmers, animals suffer, it increases the risk of animal disease and jeopardises public health."
Wildlife crime officer for West Mercia Police, detective constable Berwyn Pratt, has urged communities to report livestock theft on-farm.
"Crimes of this nature are not uncommon in rural areas and within the farming community," he added.
"As part of a wider operation into rural and wildlife crime, we are committed to tackling livestock theft and perusing offenders to reach a conviction.
"We would encourage people who own livestock to be on the look-out for potential criminals.
"This might include suspicious vehicles driving around your land, gathering information to prepare for a potential theft.
"Also, ensuring fencing and paddocks are secured and robust is important in protecting your property.
"Please always report any suspicious activity to us online or by calling 101, and call 999 in an emergency."
READ NOW: Officers target criminals who cause 'severe' psychological impact on farmers' health and well-being
