Sentencing of a former Angus farmer who has admitted causing unnecessary suffering to cattle and sheep has been further delayed to allow the court to obtain fresh information on expected farm livestock mortality rates.
George Pattullo, 67, pled guilty to animal welfare charges at the second day of a trial at Forfar Sheriff Court in January.
Earlier this year, 67-year-old George Pattullo admitted animal welfare charges on the second day of a trial at Forfar.
The Crown had earlier accepted not guilty pleas from his wife, Allison, who was also initially charged in connection with the matter.
Sentencing had been delayed for an agreed narrative to be prepared, as well as a criminal justice social work report, which subsequently led Sheriff Gregor Murray to criticise what he branded “frankly bizarre” statements by Mr Pattullo in relation to evidence heard by the court.
Following a continuation of the case, Mr Pattullo returned to court on Thursday, where Sheriff Murray granted a joint motion to move the case to March 30.
Defence solicitor Brian Bell said: “There is one issue remaining within the Crown narrative regarding the percentage loss which other farms suffer.
“It is accepted that Mr Pattullo’s loss was 29% and the figure initially provided by the Crown in relation to other farms is significantly lower than that.
“Some enquiries have been carried out as to the loss other farms suffer. That is the only matter outstanding – but it is an important matter,” said Mr Bell.
Sheriff Murray told the accused: “It is my intention when you return and the matter is sorted out that I will then ask the social work department to prepare a fresh report to take account of the narration which will be given to court.”