Disgraced farmers who stole sheep from farms – including those in Cumbria – have no future in the industry.

Former Swaledale champion breeder Charles “Neville” Raine, 66, and his nephew, Phillip, 47, have each been jailed for three years.

The Raines, who farmed near Bowes, County Durham, were convicted last month at Teesside Crown Court of conspiracy to use criminal property after they were found to have 116 sheep which did not belong to them at their farms.

Richard Betton, an expert witness who gave evidence in the trial of Phillip and Neville Raine, revealed that the pair were being shunned by sheep farmers even before they were convicted.

The stolen sheep belonged to 14 farmers from Cumbria, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

The animals had gone missing between 2010 and 2013.

Mr Betton, who farms in Upper Teesdale and is an NFU delegate, was in court for sentencing.

He said: “Most people, if they have a break-in or they are mugged, don’t know the person who did it.

“When it is someone you worked next door to for years, it really hurts.

“I don’t think they can have a future in farming. No doubt they will try, and it is up to them.”

Chief Superintendent Gavin Robertson, who chairs the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC), a multi-agency group which focuses on rural crime prevention and investigation, said the sentences sent a stark warning to people involved in the theft of livestock or receiving stolen animals.

He said: “This case clearly shows that the threat of livestock theft can also come from within the farming industry/rural community itself. While some livestock theft involves local criminals supplying local recipients, we also know some criminals are prepared to travel considerable distances to carry out this type of crime.

“Sheep or cattle stolen anywhere in Scotland could end up in England and Wales, or vice versa. We are working with farmers and breed societies to develop and enhance crime prevention methods and practice.”

Northumberland police Inspector Kevin Tuck added: “This has sent ripples right across the farming community in Northern England.”

The case hit national headlines, when police held “identity parades” in Kirkby Stephen to allow the rightful owners to claim their livestock.