William John Jones, 55, of Cwm Farm, Blaen-y-Coed, Carmarthenshire, was sentenced to six months in jail suspended for two years.

Jones blamed a late subsidy payment

Carmarthen magistrates also disqualified him from keeping animals for ten years.

Jones claimed he had no money to feed his animals and that he was starving just like the cattle.

He was remanded in custody two weeks ago after being found guilty of 13 counts of unnecessary suffering to cattle and a further eight counts of failing to dispose of an animal by products.

But after Friday's sentencing, Jones was unrepentant, blaming the condition of his animals on a late payment of a government subsidy.

Outside the court, he said: "I shouldn't have been put behind bars.

"It is hard going on me."

He didn't ask anyone for help - if he had contacted us we would have been able to provide feed for the animals and organise veterinary treatment

RSPCA Inspector Rohan Barker

Defence barrister, Robert Meurig Williams QC, told the court that the lack of money, last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak and the fact that the farm was still under TB restrictions combined to cause "catastrophic effects".

RSPCA Inspector Rohan Barker had been called to the farm in March 2001 and said the property was in a disgusting state.

Eight cows were already dead and five others had to be put down.

After the verdict he said: "Everybody feels sorry for Mr Jones but we had to take action over the continued suffering involved.

"He didn't ask anyone for help - if he had contacted us we would have been able to provide feed for the animals and organise veterinary treatment.

Cows were found with no food or water

"I am delighted he has been banned from keeping animals as this will prevent other animals from suffering in such a way.

"It is a fair result as long as he does what he has been ordered to do by the court."

Jones was also ordered to pay costs of �1,600 within 28 days and given three months to get rid of his stock.

Magistrate Con Harris said it was a very serious offence but he had taken into account the fact that Jones had no previous convictions.