James Thomas Flakelar, 24, was sentenced to a 13-month intensive corrections order (ICO) in Wagga Local Court last Thursday after pleading guilty to 13 offences, including two counts of stealing cattle, two counts of larceny and eight counts of having goods suspected of being stolen.

Flakelar’s co-accused, 23-year-old Blake John Cowled, was sentenced to a 14-month ICO, pleading guilty to two counts of stealing cattle, larceny and having goods in custody.

The men stole 170 sheep from Junee farmer David Fife and 92 sheep from a Temora district grazier in July 2014.

They also stole sheep yards and feeders.

After contacting police on July 4, 2014, Mr Fife recovered all but five of his sheep, but incurred a loss from not being able to sell the recovered stock when he wanted to. 

The Temora farmer recovered just 14 head.

In June this year, a hearing on the matter was called off after negotiations between police and the accused men’s defence teams resulted in Cowled pleading guilty to nine charges and Flakelar admitting to 12.

Another 21 charges against Cowled and 15 against Flakelar were withdrawn and dismissed.

In Wagga Local Court in August for sentencing, Flakelar’s barrister, Matthew Johnston, tendered a letter to magistrate Erin Kennedy in which Flakeler apologised for his actions.

Mr Johnston also said Flakelar had sold personal items so he could pay his half share of compensation to the victims.

After hearing Mr Johnston’s submissions, Ms Kennedy ordered Flakelar be assessed for an ICO, which is the last alternative to going to jail.

Ms Kennedy said at the time sheep stealing took away the livelihood of victims and that a factor in sentencing in this case had to be general deterrence.

“We are not talking about taking sheep from the side of the road, we are talking about an organised activity,” she told the court.

“A message must go out that this is not acceptable behaviour.”

The maximum penalty for stealing livestock is 14 years in jail, but the men’s order of imprisonment will be served by way of intensive correction in the community, under the supervision of the Corrective Services NSW.