THE report into the disappearance of 56 sheep from Conservators' land found shepherd Richard Smith negligent in failing to report the loss.

Mr Smith admitted when interviewed that "personal difficulties" meant he had failed to keep records up to date and did not record lambs born in April 2003 until October, when he counted 70. An audit in May 2003 had counted 126.

Mr Smith failed to realise that 70 was an inaccurate figure, did not report his difficulties to management and accepted that he had been negligent. He resigned in March, apparently before the sheep were discovered missing, and was due to finish work today (Friday).

The report, by officer David Whitehorne and board member Richard Witcomb, concludes that the sheep disappeared between May 1 and October 10, 2003, and were most likely stolen. However, police say there is no evidence to justify further investigation. The sheep were worth about £3,000, which will be covered by insurance. The report recommends setting up a grazing monitoring group to examine future strategies and practice and that a computerised stock record be maintained every two months.