Suspended jail sentences were handed down to two Kerry farmers for engaging in a campaign of obstruction to prevent Department of Agriculture officials from checking on their cattle.

John C Casey, known as Christy Casey (60), received a four-month suspended jail sentence for 14 offences, while his son, John Casey Jnr (37), was given a three-month suspended term for seven offences.

Earlier this year, the men from Crosstown, Killarney, Co Kerry, pleaded guilty to the offences, which were committed between 30 April 2014 and 19 February 2015 at various addresses in Co Kerry and Co Cork where they farmed.

While carrying out farm inspections, Department of Agriculture officials found two animals aged four and five months old, but recorded as being within seven days of birth. DNA testing was used to identify five more animals and another was unable to be identified. A further 116 animals simply disappeared and could not be traced, the court heard.

Solicitor for both men, Padraig O’Connell, said that while the men were adept at dealing with livestock, they were less adept at dealing with the paperwork now involved in farming. Judge David Waters dismissed this and said the Caseys had steadfastly refused to co-operate with Department officials on several occasions. He added that given the level of concealment and obstruction involved, the offences were extremely serious.

Imposing the four-month suspended jail term, Judge Waters said he erred on the side of caution and took Mr Casey Snr’s age into consideration, as well as his guilty plea and lack of relevant convictions. He was ordered to pay €4,000 in costs.

With no previous convictions and having pleaded guilty, Judge Waters imposed a three-month suspended term on Casey Jnr and ordered him to pay €1,000 in costs.

In a separate case involving Casey Snr at a September sitting of Killarney district court, the Department of Agriculture brought charges against him relating to nine alleged animal health breaches.

The offences allegedly occurred in Corbally, Killorglin, on 17 May 2019. Mr Casey’s solicitor Padraig O’Connell said his client would not be pleading guilty to the charges. This case comes before the court later in the year.