A judge has asked for a psychiatric report on a farmer convicted of a catalogue of animal welfare offences involving pigs and bulls on his farm.

Harry Sutcliffe, 53, of Bingley Road, Cullingworth, has previously admitted 23 counts of offences against animal welfare.

He has also pleaded guilty to a further count of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

At Bradford Magistrates’ Court today, District Judge Susan Bouch ordered the report after solicitor Keith Blackwell, raised concerns about Sutcliffe’s mental health.

Emma Downing, prosecuting, said the Crown Prosecution Service would welcome the psychiatric report.

The judge warned Sutcliffe, who has a history of depression among other health problems, that “all sentencing options” were open to her, including jail.

She told Sutcliffe: “The best thing you can do is comply fully in the preparation of the report.”

She adjourned the case until February 16.

Sutcliffe, who is on strong anti-depressants, was granted bail with the condition that he does not contact Andrew Measey, Bradford Council’s senior animal health inspector.