A FAMILY'S future is uncertain as a farmer is imprisoned for four months, and he and his partner are disqualified from keeping farm animals.

Nigel David Eames Hooper, and his partner Karen Wordley, both entered guilty pleas on eight counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of failing to dispose of animal by-products.

Pembrokeshire County Council inspectors and DEFRA vets had repeatedly warned Hooper about his slow response in getting veterinary assistance for calves at Prout's Park Farm, East Williamston.

Defence solicitor John Roberts told Haverfordwest magistrates a custodial sentence and disqualification would have a devastating effect on the couple and their three young children, as they would be losing their father, income and probably their home.

He said Hooper has accepted the charges arose from his failings in husbandry and in not accepting advice given to him by the council over a four-year period.

Magistrates deliberated for over an hour before passing a four-month custodial sentence on the 32-year-old farmer.

Guilty pleas and family and financial concerns were taken into account, but they felt two previous cautions made the offences more serious.

The chairman of the bench said: "We believe the animals could have been spared unnecessary suffering. These charges are so serious we must consider a custodial sentence as both punishment and deterrent."

The pair will be disqualified from having custody or care of farm animals for five years. The disqualification was suspended for two weeks to allow arrangements for their livestock to be made.

Karen Wordley was spared a custodial sentence, receiving a two-year conditional discharge and a £750 fine.