A farmer who spent years swapping and stealing sheep from livestock markets across England has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
Peter Parker, 60, of The Clays, Brant Broughton, Lincolnshire, was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on 8 May 2026 after being found guilty of a long-running series of livestock thefts and animal welfare offences.
The prosecution was brought jointly by Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, West Mercia Police and Cumbria Police.
How the Scam Worked
Between 2016 and 2023, Parker targeted three livestock markets: Newark Livestock Market, Hereford Livestock Market, and Penrith and District Farmers Mart.
CCTV footage showed him arriving late at night with a lorry load of his own sheep, which he would swap for higher-quality animals belonging to other farmers. In some cases he simply stole sheep outright. At Newark alone, Parker stole almost 650 sheep worth at least £23,000 during the summer of 2017, with a further 50 taken from Penrith and 23 from Hereford. Some of the offences were committed while he was already on bail.
Parker was also convicted of failing to notify authorities of the movement or death of cattle, failing to properly identify sheep, and causing unnecessary suffering to sheep.
The Impact
Councillor Dawn Justice, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "For years Mr Parker's offences have undermined animal welfare, disease control and trust in the livestock industry. Today's sentencing sends a strong message that we will not tolerate livestock theft or breaches of the legal requirements that are in place to protect animal and public health."
Martin Beck from the National Rural Crime Unit added: "Mr Parker was highly organised in stealing sheep from around the country over a significant period of time. Livestock theft is not a victimless crime. Not only did he betray the trust of livestock auctioneers and fellow farmers, his crimes created a real risk to public and animal health."
Beck also warned others involved in rural crime: "Police and enforcement partners are working together to pursue those who steal livestock and target the farming industry. We will find you and we will prosecute you."
Report It
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of livestock or farm animals can contact Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.