Vladut Boberschi, 34, of Hurleybrook Way, Leegomery, Telford, was given a community order at Birmingham Crown Court for receiving stolen goods.

In April 2020, Boberschi stole five sheep from a nearby ‘small farm’ and killed them for meat in his garage.

Boberschi fled the country and was arrested when he returned to the UK in 2023.

He was later found guilty at a hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court on August 29 this year.

Boberschi was given a 12-month community order with conditions to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, report to a probation officer, report any change of address and pay a £150 fine.

Following the incident, police warned about the dangers of animal theft.

Martin Beck, the police’s national livestock theft coordinator, said: “Boberschi was caught in the final stages of illegally slaughtering stolen sheep. He did not care about the welfare of these animals, he kept the sheep in his home with their legs tied and killed them in an inhumane way.

“These sheep were also unfit for human consumption as they were drugged by the farmer before being stolen and slaughtered in an unhygienic environment.

“Thousands of farm animals are reported lost and stolen across the UK every year. This reveals how serious consequences can occur if illegally prepared meat is consumed. We believe there are other people like Boberschi who do this.

“The National Rural Crime Squad is working with police forces, the Food Standards Agency, local authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Teams to support animal theft investigations.

“Animal theft not only affects our farmers, animals suffer, increases the risk of animal diseases and endangers public health.”

Meanwhile, wildlife crime officer West Mercia Police Detective Berwyn Pratt said police would prosecute anyone responsible for such crimes.

He said: “This type of crime is not uncommon in rural areas and within the farming community. “As part of a wider operation into rural and wildlife crime, we are committed to tackling livestock theft and examining offenders to achieve a conviction.

“We would encourage people who own animals to be wary of potential criminals. This could include suspicious vehicles circling your property, gathering information to prepare for a possible theft. “It is also important to ensure fences and pastures are safe and secure to protect your property.

“Please always report suspicious activity to us online or by calling 101, and in emergencies call 999.”