THE boss of a Pershore stud farm has been found guilty of dealing in illegal veterinary drugs as part of a £6 million scam.

Richard Jones – founder and owner of Henry Field Stud in Naunton Beauchamp – had denied 19 counts of importing and distributing unauthorised or prescription-only vet medicines, but was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court.

The prosecution was launched following a Defra investigation.

The medicines concerned included anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, tranquillisers, antibiotics, sedatives, painkillers and other miscellaneous products administered to horses, household pets and farm animals.

Jones, a 60-year-old management consultant of Winchcombe Road, Sedgeberrow, near Evesham, had claimed that his partner June Connelly, 68, was responsible for buying the medicines and the welfare of the horses at the 50 horse stud.

His co-accused, road haulage boss and riding school owner Peter Lock, 53, of Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex, was convicted of 15 similar charges.

Both men were bailed until Monday, July 4, when they will be sentenced along with another seven co-defendants, including Connelly who has already admitted her part in the crime.