A FARMER from a Droitwich Spa parish has been fined for the illegal movement of livestock during the foot and mouth crisis.
Alan Maiden, aged 62, of Valley Farm, Elmley Lovett, pleaded guilty at Droitwich Magistrates' Court to moving his animals when tough restrictions were in place.
The prosecution was brought by Worcestershire County Council's trading standards service following a complaint that Mr Maiden had moved his flock of sheep along a public road.
On Friday, he was fined £1,000, and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £534.
In mitigation, Mr Maiden's solicitor said his client had been confused about the restrictions.
When challenged about his actions, Mr Maiden had openly admitted what he had done and co-operated fully with the investigation.
The farmer has no previous convictions.
Worcestershire's trading standards operation manager, Steve Birch, said: "The restrictions on movement were brought into place in February 2001 to minimise the risk of the spread of the foot and mouth disease.
"Only movements licensed by the Government were allowed and then only under strict restrictions."
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