A STUD farm boss has gone on trial accused of dealing in illegal veterinary medicines and playing a key role in a £6 million scam, said to be the biggest of its kind in Europe.

Richard Jones, aged 60, of Winchcombe Road, Sedgeberrow, is the boss of Henry Field Stud at Naunton Beauchamp.

He told a jury that he had no knowledge of the illicit trade and insisted, from the witness box at Croydon Crown Court, that he never bought veterinary medication.

He said his partner June Connelly, 68, who has pleaded guilty to similar charges, was responsible for buying the medicines and the welfare of the horses.

“It’s her money. It has got nothing to do with me or the Henry Field Stud,” he said.

“We have different accounts and banks. June did not tell me about it – it was her business.”

However, the court has been told that Connelly’s name is on all the paperwork regarding the purchase of illegal medication from French-based Eurovet and the prosecution insist that he must have been aware of the trade.

Jones said: “She was supplying to friends. I never saw any money changing hands. I was never involved. I did not know what June was buying.”

The court has been told that a Defra investigation revealed the veterinary medicines included anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, tranquillisers, antibiotics, sedatives, painkillers and other miscellaneous products administered to horses, household pets and farm animals.

“I am amazed at the list. I cannot believe it. I believed June just bought wormers,” said Jones.

In the dock with Jones is Peter Lock, 53, of Brentwood, Essex –the boss of Colmar Farm Riding School in Brentwood. Both have pleaded not guilty to a combined total of 34 charges of illegally importing and distributing unauthorised or prescription-only veterinary medicines.

The case has now been adjourned until Monday with a verdict expected the following day.

The trial continues.