The man who slaughtered stolen sheep in his Telford garage and then fled Britain has finally been convicted

Vladut Boberschi, aged 34 and of Hurleybrook Way in 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 upon his return to Britain in 2023.

He was subsequently found guilty at the trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court on August 29 this year.

Boberschi was given a community order for 12 months with conditions to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, report to a supervisor, report any changes of address and pay a fine of £150.

Following the case, the police warned about the dangers of cattle theft.

Police national livestock theft coordinator Martin Beck said: “Boberschi was caught in the final stages of illegally slaughtering stolen sheep. No attention was paid to the welfare of these animals; he kept sheep at his home with their legs tied before killing them inhumanely.

“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 go missing and stolen in Britain every year. This shows how illegally prepared meat can have serious consequences if consumed. We believe there are other people like Boberschi doing this.

“The National Rural Crime Unit works with the police, Food Standards Agency, local authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Teams to support investigations into livestock theft.

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

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

He said: “These types of crimes are not uncommon in rural areas and within the farming community. As part of a wider operation against rural and wildlife crime, we want to tackle livestock theft and investigate offenders to secure a conviction.

“We would like to encourage people who own livestock to be on the lookout for potential criminals. These could be suspicious vehicles driving through your country and gathering information in preparation for a possible theft. It is also important to ensure that fencing and paddocks are secured and robust to protect your property.

“Always report suspicious activity to us online or call 101, and call 999 in an emergency.”