John Helliar, a dairy farmer, was fined £1500 today after pleading guilty to veterinary medicines offences. He was also ordered to pay costs of £2600.

The case, at Chippenham Magistrates Court, followed a joint investigation between the Veterinary Medicines Directorate VMD (an executive agency of Defra) and the Republic of Ireland's Department of Agriculture.

Intelligence led Defra Investigation Officers to High House Farm, Corsley near Warminster, Wilts., in November 2003. Although no illegal medicines were found, documents showed that illegal medicines had been administered to animals on the farm.

All veterinary medicines in the UK must be assessed by the VMD to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy. It is an offence to administer any medicinal product which has not been authorised for use.

Mr Helliar faced three separate charges each relating to a different medicine. The charges were made under Articles 3 and 4 of the Medicines (Veterinary Drugs) (Prescription Only) Order 2001.