A cattle and sheep dealer has been sent to prison for two years after he was convicted of illegally importing sheep during the Foot and Mouth ban and furnishing false documents two years ago.
Michael McNally, 35, from Jonesboro in south Armagh admitted he brought 149 sheep across the border to the Keepak factory in Athleigh, Co Roscommon, the day after the ban took effect.
He also admitted furnishing documents with the names of two fictitious farmers and two real farmers who knew nothing about the illegal activity.
Judge Anthony Kennedy said the operation was a scam which could have been a calamity for the whole country.
