A farmer from Lincolnshire was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on 8 May 2026 after being found guilty of committing a long-running series of livestock thefts and animal welfare offences.
Peter Parker, aged 60, of The Clays, Brant Broughton, was found guilty of stealing hundreds of sheep from livestock markets across England. He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison following a joint prosecution by Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, West Mercia Police and Cumbria Police.
The court heard that between 2016 and 2023, Parker targeted Newark Livestock Market, Hereford Livestock Market, and Penrith and District Farmers Mart. CCTV footage showed him arriving at the markets late at night with a lorry load of sheep, which he would swap for other sheep that were of a higher quality than his own.
In some instances, Parker simply stole sheep from the livestock markets. At the Newark market alone, Parker was responsible for stealing almost 650 sheep worth at least £23,000 in the summer of 2017. He stole a further 50 sheep from Penrith and 23 from Hereford Livestock Market. It was noted that Parker committed some of his offences while he was already subject to bail.
In addition to the livestock thefts, Parker was also found guilty of two regulatory offences of failing to notify the relevant authorities of the movement or death of cattle, as well as eight further offences under Schedule 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1988. These latter offences included failures to properly identify sheep and causing unnecessary suffering to sheep. Parker’s repeat offending was reported to have had a serious impact on livestock markets, farmers, and confidence in animal health and food safety systems.
Councillor Dawn Justice, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Our Trading Standards officers take animal welfare and disease control very seriously. For years, Mr Parker’s offences have undermined animal welfare, disease control, and trust in the livestock industry. Today’s sentencing is an excellent result and sends a strong message that we will not tolerate livestock theft or breaches of the legal requirements that are in place to protect animal and public health. Our Trading Standards officers will continue to work closely with market operators and enforcement partners to protect both farmers and the wider public.”
Martin Beck from the National Rural Crime Unit said: “Mr Parker was highly organised in stealing sheep from around the country over a significant period of time. Livestock theft is not a victimless crime; not only did he betray the trust of livestock auctioneers and fellow farmers, but the impact of his crimes also created a risk to public and animal health.
“Investigations into livestock theft often reveal that such crimes require specific agricultural knowledge, sometimes involving individuals close to the industry. Livestock theft is a serious issue. This conviction sends a clear message that the police and enforcement partners will pursue those who are involved in rural crime.
“The National Rural Crime Unit would like to thank Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards and Cumbria Police for dealing with this complex and lengthy investigation and bringing Mr Parker to justice. Police and enforcement partners are working together to pursue those who steal livestock and target the farming industry. We will find you and we will prosecute you.”
Concerns about the welfare of livestock or farm animals can be reported to Trading Standards through the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
