A trial at Belfast Crown Court involving a Co Down farmer accused of animal neglect has been adjourned.

Samuel Ernest Cooper, 71, of Derryleckagh Row in Newry, faces 17 charges relating to alleged offences committed between December 2022 and May 2023.

The charges include ten counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, four counts of failing to hold a carcass, two counts of failing to have bovine animals tested, and one count of failing to keep a record of medicines.

The charges concern cows and sheep on Cooper's farm.

Cooper had previously denied all charges.

A jury was sworn in last week but was discharged after Cooper dismissed his legal team.

Cooper appeared in court without new representation and cited health and exhaustion issues as reasons for the delay.

Judge Gordon Kerr KC adjourned the case and set a new trial date for 7 September.