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An Angus man who was spared jail over bestiality images last month has already breached his court order three times.

Mark Findlater, from Forfar, was banned from keeping animals for three years after police found his home computer stored pictures and videos depicting sex acts between adults and dogs, cows, pigs and horses.

But he has been warned he is “sorely” trying the sentencing sheriff’s patience after it emerged he has flouted the terms of his community payback order.

Findlater, of Mains of Coul Cottages, previously admitted an indictment of possessing the material at his home address between March 2011 and November 2013.

The 28-year-old was caught after staff at the animal centre where he worked found a link to a bestiality website on his computer after he left.

Police obtained a search warrant for his rural home and uncovered more than 1,000 images and 400 videos of adult males and females involving permutations of sexual acts involving livestock.

His order also includes participation in the Tay Project for sex offenders.

The court heard Findlater had been having difficulty disposing of animals he kept on his land, but this was now in hand.

Solicitor Lynne Sturrock said he had “come prepared” for a custodial sentence.

“There are three breaches in total,” she said. “I think it’s clear to see that Mr Findlater is struggling to cope with the order.

“The animals were transferred across to his sister in the proper way. She was unaware of the behaviours that have come to light.

“She has now made some moves to have the animals transferred elsewhere.”

Sheriff Gregor Murray, who had seen “little purpose” in imposing a short custodial sentence on May 5, continued consideration of any sentence until next month.

“I have a mind to continue consideration of what to do to a hearing, where we can all sit down and have a rational discussion, which will leave Mr Findlater in no doubt as to what he is expected to do.

“The alternative is imprisonment.”

He told Findlater: “You are trying me sorely on this.”