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Third man pleads guilty to sheep butchery offences

A third man has pleaded guilty to sheep butchery offences as part of an ongoing police investigation.

39-year-old Viorel Manu, of Birmingham, was due to stand trial on Monday, (March 23rd), but changed his plea to guilty of conspiracy to steal in relation to the slaughter and illegal butchery of sheep and lambs.

Robert Iordan, aged 23, and Florin Nutu, aged 36, pleaded guilty to the same offences at Northampton Crown Court on Friday, February 14th.

12 reports of illegal butchery

In a statement, a spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said: “Between June 22nd, 2019, and October 7th, 2019, Northamptonshire’s farmers had their livelihoods hit hard by the three men, who travelled across rural areas in the county, killing and butchering sheep in order to steal the meat and profit from it.”

“In total, 12 reports of illegal butchery were made to Northamptonshire Police during this period, with the Operation Stock investigation launched in response.”

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‘Upset and anger’

Lead investigator, DC Jamie Cooper, said: “These crimes caused farmers a great deal of upset and anger last year, and I’d like to thank them and the wider rural community for their support and patience during our investigation.”

“There was extensive media coverage when these incidents were taking place and I am very pleased we have achieved a successful outcome with all three men pleading guilty to their crimes.”

“Operation Stock was a huge team effort and I hope this case shows just how hard we will work to protect the livelihoods of our farming and rural communities, who were deeply affected by this crime series.”

Community intelligence

Detective inspector, Johnny Campbell, added: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who provided us with information throughout the Operation Stock investigation.

“Without a doubt, community intelligence was absolutely key in arresting all three of these men and being able to bring them to justice.

All three men will be sentenced by live link at Northampton Crown Court on Friday, March 27th, the police statement added.

Image source: Northamptonshire Police Facebook

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