Man jailed for involvement in illegal meat operation
A Ceredigion man living in Ireland has been extradited and sentenced after his involvement in illicit farming and trading of meat that was unfit for human consumption.
Robert Thomas, 45, originally from Ferwig near Cardigan, was found to be part of an organised crime group (OCG), who were involved in running an illegal meat operation, where “smokies” were being prepared for human consumption.
The production of “smokies” involves the illegal slaughter of sheep which, as part of the production process, have their fleece retained on the carcasses and burnt with blow torches to impart a smoked flavour to the meat.
After Thomas and other members of the OCG prepared the meat, they personally delivered the product to customers in London, in unrefrigerated vehicles.
Investigations into the production revealed that the conditions the animals were being kept in were unsanitary, and some carcasses seized were found to be in an advanced state of decomposition, and the sheep being used were subject to an increased risk of pathological diseases and parasitic conditions.
The initial prosecution was undertaken by Ceredigion County Council in 2015, but due to Mr Thomas’ persistence in evading justice it has taken seven years for the proceedings to reach a conclusion.
The prosecution involved Thomas and another male person from Ceredigion, who is still wanted on warrant in respect of the charges.
At Swansea Crown Court in December 2015, Thomas was sentenced to a 28-week term of imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work. Confiscation proceedings were also ordered to try and identify and recover any assets obtained by Thomas through his illegal activities.
That confiscation investigation was undertaken by officers in the Tarian Regional Economic Crime Unit (RECU) assisted by Ceredigion County Council.
Various Proceeds of Crime Act hearings took place, during which Thomas gave evidence on oath that his assets and income were minimal.
Cambrian News
Read full article Share on twitter