A farmer threatened to kill an animal inspector he accused of trying to ruin him, a court heard last Thursday.

Andrew Sadler denied the charge, but changed his plea to guilty part way through his trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Sadler, 23, who runs Red Down Farm at St Florence with his father, accused Michael Tasker, an animal inspector for Pembrokeshire County Council, of hounding him.

He told police Mr. Tasker was suspected of opening a gate which allowed cattle to graze on a site of scientific interest. This had led to the Countryside Council for Wales holding back a £6,000 payment, adding to the financial pressure.

Sadler was then prosecuted after Mr. Tasker found two dead cows on his land. Sadler told the jury he felt Mr. Tasker had been vindictive and accused him of "trying to finish us off."

He also accused Mr. Tasker of being responsible for the suicides of three farmers. Sadler came under so much pressure he was placed under the care of a mental health team, the court heard.

A few days before he was to be sentenced for the offence, Sadler had a consultation with Dr. Khin San Linn, during which he said he would kill Mr. Tasker and then himself. Dr. Linn said she took the threat sufficiently serious to contact the police.

Sadler said he could not remember making the remark, but accepted that Dr. Linn's note of the conversation must have been accurate.

After giving evidence, Judge Michael Burr advised Sadler and his defence team to "consider their position" and after a short adjournment Sadler changed his plea to guilty.

Sadler will be sentenced on March 3. He was granted bail meanwhile.