U.K: Two farmers are facing prison after police held an identity parade to reunite stolen sheep with their owners

Even though the usual markings had been removed from the sheep, more than a dozen farmers were able to identify their animals.


Some of the stolen sheep later identified by their owners

Two farmers are facing prison after police held an identity parade to reunite stolen sheep with their owners.

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Charles Raine, 66, and his nephew Phillip, 46, were convicted of stealing the sheep by a jury at Teesside Crown Court.

Identity markings had been removed from the animals, including horn brands, ear tags and wool paint.

But 16 farmers from both sides of the Pennines picked out 116 sheep that belonged to them.

An example of the horn markings that had been removed from the sheep.

Speaking outside court, Detective Inspector Paul Phillips said: "There are 16 victims in this case, they have been absolutely dignified, patient and a credit to their profession. They are hard-working in extremely difficult conditions.

"Then we have Neville and Phillip Raine, who have destroyed their own reputation, and almost been parasites, the way they have fed off other farmers around them."

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Judge Tony Briggs adjourned the case until the New Year and granted the pair bail.

But he warned them: "All sentencing options - including custody - remain open."

More than 100 sheep were reunited with their rightful owners.

The animals went missing between 2010 and 2013.

Richard Betton, a hill farmer in upper Teesdale, said it was not surprising that victims could pick out their livestock from the police line-ups.

"It all relies on trust," he said. "When you gather your sheep, you look through them and pick out ones that aren't yours.

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"Most farmers will know all the markings of their neighbours, and think 'Oh, that's Joe's'. You ring them up and they come and collect the sheep."

Charles and Phillip Raine operated two farms in the Bowes area of County Durham.

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