The defence says the farmer 'accepts things had begun to slip'

The court heard pigs were kept in terrible conditions

A UK farmer has pleaded guilty to 17 animal welfare offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to a female pig and failing to ensure animal welfare.

Seven sheep, 75 pigs and hundreds of chickens were found living in squalor by Trading Standards Officer Claire Miers and vet Marie Ipas, who visited the Cotswold farm last year.

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One sow was found with an abscess on her leg and broken ribs after a shelter built by Lockton collapsed on her. She was in such poor condition, she had to be shot by a vet.

The court heard that pigs were left with inadequate bedding, water and feed - including out of date sausages and bacon sandwiches.

'Bad way'

Defending, Tim Burrows said: "Mr Lockton accepts he was in a bad way and things had begun to slip.

"He should have responded to the support and advice he was given.

"He took advice from another farmer and he accepts this was wrong."

'Filthy condition'

Prosecuting Bonnie Styles said: "At one end of the shed there was an area which was used for feeding. There were pallets and a trough all tied together with string and there were planks on the floor with nails sticking out of them which the cattle could injure themselves on.

"There was an old bath used for feeding which was in a filthy condition and in a water container there was a dead bird which Mr Lockton said he was going to remove later.

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"There was Cumberland sausages, chicken and bacon sandwiches and flame grilled chicken which the free-roaming pigs and hens had access to."

The case was adjourned by magistrates for sentencing on July 9. Lockton has been released on unconditional bail until then.