Market boss admits failings after man killed by cow

The operators of a cattle mart where a man was killed by a rampaging escaped cow has admitted to health and safety failings.

Huw Evans, 75, died in hospital six days after being trampled by a cow that escaped from Whitland Livestock Market in Carmarthenshire in November 2022.

David Arwel Thomas of JJ Morris Limited, which operates the mart pleaded guilty to failing in its health, safety and welfare duty to an employee.

Thomas also admitted to failing in the firm’s duty to the safety of the wider public at the hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

The livestock market has since installed a cattle grid, as ordered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The cow, owned by Paula Wilson, was shot by police.

Mr Evans, a retired council worker, was crossing the road in Whitland town on 19 November 2022, when he was confronted by the “extremely agitated” cow.

The nine-year-old brown Limousin breed had escaped from the mart while being unloaded from a trailer.

Rebecca Griffiths, representing the HSE, told the court multiple members of mart staff had tried to stop and control the cow before it managed to get to the area of the public.

The cow struck one employee, who suffered injuries to his leg, before making its way outside and hitting a member of the public near a Co-op.

Mr Evans, described as “a beloved father and grandfather”, was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

He died six days later, having suffered multiple serious injuries.

Mr Evans’ son and ex-wife were present in court as JJ Morris Limited admitted to failings which led to risk of injury from escaped livestock.

District Judge Mark Layton adjourned the case until 20 June for sentencing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.