Tuesday 24 May 2011

Equine Bosses Convicted Of Illegal Vet Med Scam


A stud farm boss and a riding school owner accused of dealing in illegal veterinary medicines - playing a key role in a £6m scam - have both been convicted on all counts.


They are: Management consultant Richard Jones, 60,(pic.top) of Winchcombe Road, Sedgeberrow, Evesham, Worcestershire - founder and owner of Henry Field Stud, Naunton Beauchamp, Pershore.


Road haulage boss Peter Lock, 53,(pic.bottom) of Knaves Hall, Warren Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex - owner of Colmar Farm Riding School, Colmar Farm, Weald Park Way, South Weald, Brentwood, Essex.


Both defendants were bailed until for a three-day sentencing hearing, which will also include another seven co-defendants.


The Croydon Crown Court jury today convicted Jones on nineteen charges and Lock on fifteen charges of illegally importing and distributing unauthorised or prescription-only veterinary medicines.


A DEFRA investigation revealed the illegal trade in veterinary medicines including anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, tranquillisers, antibiotics, sedatives, painkillers and other miscellaneous products administered to horses, household pets and farm animals.


They came from married couple Ronald Meddes, 72, and Regine Lansley, 61, - nicknamed 'Ronnie and Reggie', the bosses of France-based 'Eurovet'.


The court heard Lock's 18-horse school received deliveries of up to half a ton of medication.


Lock was accused of buying £155,000 of veterinary medicines between January 2004 and September 2008 and Jones £61,000 worth from January 2004.


The sentencing was adjourned after Lansley's QC told the court during an earlier hearing a Welsh vet was "offering a breath of fresh air" on the issue of unauthorised veterinary medicines.


The defence team produced a report compiled by the vet, which they claim shows the unauthorised medicines cause no harm to animals.


DEFRA were granted time to study and respond to the report.

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