A farm worker has been fined £650 for failing to bury the bodies of 11 dead calves.

John Edwin Christian was working at Goodfellow farm in Sulby at the time.

The 44-year-old admitted an offence of failing to bury the carcass of an animal, leaving it in a field to which dogs could gain access.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture welfare officers visited the Sulby farm on December 16 and found the 11 dead calves in a field of 37 cows.

The matter was reported to police who went to the farm with a vet and it was deemed that a number of cattle had to be euthanised due to their condition.

The owner of the farm was said to be off-island at the time.

Other workers were present but Christian, who lives at Mountain Road, Ballaugh, was described as an experienced herdsman.

Other animals at the farm were said to be suffering from malnutrition.

When interviewed Christian said he had been struggling to run the farm as the owner was in debt and refused to fix equipment.

Defence advocate David Clegg said: ’This is likely to be an emotive issue but Mr Christian is not charged with any animal cruelty issue.

’The owner of the farm has been reported and was also spoken to by police.

’Mr Christian gave a detailed account at the police station. He had been buying animal feed out of his own money.

’He left this employment being owed thousands of pounds by his former employer.

’Machinery was frequently not working. Regular deliveries of fuel weren’t taking place because of the level of debts.

’Mr Christian accepts he could have taken more action by having the carcasses collected by the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture.

’The account he gave was of a man almost in an impossible position, not regularly getting paid, working twice his contracted hours.

’He wishes he had never set foot on the farm. It is a sad state of affairs.’

Mr Clegg went on to say that Christian was not responsible for the farm himself as there were other farm workers, but he was simply the most experienced worker.

’He is owed thousands with no realistic prospect of being paid those outstanding wages,’ said the advocate. ’He was dipping into his own diminished pockets to buy animal feed for animals that weren’t his.’

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks told Christian: ’It seems clear you were left in difficulties.

’But as an experienced person you would be aware of the risks. Had you contacted the DEFA you could have obtained assistance.’

Christian was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs which he will pay along with the fine at a rate of £100 per month.