A farmer has confessed to causing unnecessary suffering to cattle following the deaths of five animals.

Daniel Jones, 30, from Anglesey, pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including causing harm to cattle and failing to ensure their welfare.

The charges span from January 2023 to April 2024, during which time Jones was responsible for cattle at Bodafon y Glyn near Llannerch-y-Medd.

Judge Timothy Petts, at Caernarfon Crown Court, cautioned Jones that a prison sentence was highly likely when he is sentenced on October 3.

His partner, Ellis Judson, is expected to be cleared of 12 similar charges.

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On January 13, 2023, 84 calves were discovered without access to clean water, with some having no water at all. Three required veterinary treatment.

On the same day, four dairy cows were found ‘emaciated and dehydrated’, unable to stand. Three of them had to be euthanised.

Later that month, at least 18 cattle and calves, along with an ‘unknown number of carcasses’, were found buried in manure piles and the old silage pit.

A month later, vets were again called to attend to a cow and calf that were unable to stand and had no water access. Both died shortly after.

The court, sitting in Llandudno, Conwy, heard that Jones had been making efforts to improve the farm's conditions and would not be banned from keeping animals in the future.

Speaking briefly after the hearing, Jones mentioned that he and his partner were expecting a baby at the time.

Ms Judson was informed that the prosecution would not be presenting evidence against her, and she would be formally acquitted next month.

Judge Petts told Jones: “This is a serious case, given the number of animals involved. The decision will be whether that prison sentence can be suspended or not.”