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

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 on his return to the UK in 2023.

He was then found guilty at trial 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 case, police warned of the dangers of animal theft.

The police’s national livestock theft co-ordinator, Martin Beck, said: “Boberschi was caught in the final stages of the illegal slaughter of stolen sheep. There was no regard for the welfare of these animals, he kept the sheep at his home with their feet tied before inhumanely killing them.

“These sheep were also unfit for human consumption as they had been medicated by the farmer before being stolen and slaughtered in an unsanitary environment.

“Thousands of farm animals are reported missing and stolen every year in the UK. This reveals how illegally prepared meat could have serious implications if consumed. We believe there are other people like Boberschi who do this.

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

“Livestock theft doesn’t just affect our farmers, the animals suffer, it increases the risk of animal disease and endangers public health.”

Meanwhile, wildlife crime officer for West Mercia Police, Constable Berwyn Pratt, said the force would pursue anyone responsible for such crimes.

He said: “Crime of this nature is not uncommon in rural areas and within the farming community. As part of a wider rural and wildlife crime operation, we are committed to tackling livestock theft and screening offenders for conviction.

“We would encourage people who own animals to be on the lookout for potential criminals. This could include suspicious vehicles driving around your property, gathering information to prepare for a potential theft. It is also important to ensure that fences and paddocks are secure and sturdy to protect your property.

“Please always report any suspicious activity to us online or by calling 101 and call 999 in an emergency.”