Farm union man's animal charges

Hugh Richards was awarded an OBE for his services to agriculture.

A former president of the National Farmers' Union Wales has pleaded guilty to 12 animal welfare charges.

Hugh Richards, 65, of Felinfoel, Llanelli, admitted transporting 12 lambs that were unfit to travel.

He did not enter pleas to a further 36 animal welfare charges at Ammanford Magistrates' Court.

The prosecution is being brought by Carmarthenshire council, on which Mr Richards is a serving councillor and current chairman.

His son Dewi also faces 12 animal welfare charges but did not enter pleas.

The case against both has been adjourned until 28 July.

Mr Richards was awarded an OBE for his services to agriculture in 2000.

He is a former NFU Wales president and retired as NFU county chairman last November.