A man facing trial for animal cruelty has been found dead.

Steven Parkin, 56, of White House Farm in Redbourn, was one of five defendants facing several charges of animal cruelty.

Mr Parkin was found at the farm in Hemel Hemsptead Road on Tuesday morning after taking his own life.

Seven horses, three dogs and a goat were destroyed and more than 40 other animals taken into the RSPCA’s care after the farm was raided in October 2014.

Mr Parkin went on trial at St Albans Magistrates' Court last week along with Michael Morley, Edward Smith, Patrick Smith, and Julie Smith, all of White House Farm.

All five had previously pleaded not guilty to all the charges, however Mr Morley had changed his not guilty plea to guilty on one of the charges relating to the welfare of a number of dogs.

Speaking of behalf of Hertfordshire Constabulary, Vicky West said: "Police and ambulance were called to White House Farm, Hemel Hempstead Road, Redbourn at 8.30am on Tuesday morning following reports of concerns for the welfare of a man on the premises.

“Sadly, the man has died; police are not treating the death as suspicious and it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this time.”

The case has been adjourned.