Farmers sentenced over animal cruelty in Staffordshire

Two farmers have been sentenced for breaching animal welfare regulations after trading standards officers said calves were found in poor conditions with little food and water.

Charles Gibson, 51, and Alison Bailey, 44, from Biddulph Moor appeared at Telford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

They had previously admitted multiple animal welfare offences.

Wheelton Farms Ltd appeared alongside them and was fined for breaching cattle movement and identification rules.

They were prosecuted by Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards Animal Health team.

The local authority said it was a "particularly upsetting case" and that the animals were seized to prevent further suffering.