Farms faced cattle restrictions after bovine TB rules breached

Eleven farms were placed under restrictions after three men breached rules aimed at preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis.

The three farmers have been given suspended prison sentences after the farms were told they could not move animals until officials were satisfied they were clear from the disease, Staffordshire County Council said.

Sean Landy, 48, from Madeley, pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud and dishonestly stating his cattle had been tested prior to being sold at cattle markets.

Mark Oulton, 53, from Barthomley Road, Audley, and Christopher Armstrong, 46, of Limekiln Farm, Kidsgrove, both pleaded guilty to failing to report cattle movements and the deaths of cattle.