by Andrew Carey
A COUNTY Limerick farmer spent three days in prison last week while a judge considered the severity of a seven month prison sentence imposed after the farmer was said to have “put the entire Irish beef industry at risk by undermining the integrity of its international reputation”.
Timothy Gleeson (31) of Buffanoka, Cappamore admitted to ten of over 75 summons relating to regulations governing the identification of cattle and animal movement.
He was also fined €14,500 for a number of other offences including the use of false documents as part of what was described as an “effort to stay off the Department of Agriculture’s radar”.
During a contested appeal hearing at Limerick Circuit Court, Department of Agriculture investigations officer John McConville outlined what was previously described as an “elaborate fraud”.
Mr McConville said that there were eight cattle involved with up to 70 movements that were not properly documented through the department’s bovine traceability system.
Mr Gleeson traded the calves using the herd number of a woman farmer in county Meath who knew nothing of the animals. He also sold calves of a lesser quality claiming that they were of the more valuable Limosine breed. Passports for some of the animals were also brought into question.
He bought and sold the calves on Done Deal and did so using the herd numbers of others who were unaware of the cattle movements. As well as dealing in cattle, he rented land in County Limerick and had 60 cows but had “no trappings of wealth.
Contesting the severity of the sentence, Lorcan Connolly Bl instructed by solicitor John Herbert, said that Mr Gleeson had “fallen foul of the regime in place”.
However Judge Carroll Moran said that he did so to “evade authorities and arms of the State” as he “was known to the Department”.
The judge said it was a matter of “great concern as it indicated a pattern of offence and an operation to avoid the Department’s monitoring of the movements of animals.”
He added that the monitoring process was “a requirement and necessity so that if there was any sudden outbreak of bovine disease, animals can be immediately identified and the necessary measures can take place.
“These actions undermine the integrity of the control of animal disease in Ireland”.
Judge Moran added that given the gravity of the offences and the penalties imposed, “it is a very difficult case to consider”.
Timothy Gleeson was remanded in custody for three days to allow Judge Moran have an opportunity to review the case and consider the appeal.
Returning to court from Limerick Prison, Gleeson, the court heard, did not enjoy his time in prison needless to say according to his barrister.
Judge Moran said that he was going to adjourn the matter until December next and allow the farmer time to pay the fines. If they were not paid Judge Moran said he would affirm the order of the District Court and jail the farmer for Christmas.
