A former stud farm owner has been jailed for six months after admitting handling £49,300 of stolen agricultural goods to help keep his business going.
John Beswick, 48, of Bledington, near Chipping Norton - who ran Pebbly Hill Stud - blamed the ailing farming industry for his crimes.
He admitted nine charges of handling four trailers, a tractor, a Land Rover, two quad bikes and a ride-on lawnmower.
Paula Hollins, prosecuting, told Gloucester Crown Court yesterday that Beswick bought the stolen items in cash between 1999 and March this year.
She said he suspected that the items were stolen, but made no inquiries. She stressed that he had no knowledge of the thefts.
Sarah Glover, defending, said Beswick was a man of "absolutely good character".
She added: "He is described as a generous, giving man and a man of integrity.
"The foot and mouth crisis came as a final blow to a pattern of declining income. He was on the brink of survival and wanted to support his family."
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