Farmer cleared after walkers were injured by cows

A Devon farmer has been cleared of failing to discharge his duty after a couple were injured when they were charged by cows in a field with a public right of way.

Sharon and Huw Williams were returning to a campsite in Beer, Devon, in May 2021 when they walked with their two dogs on leads through a field where 40 cows were grazing with some calves.

Exeter Crown Court was told a large brown cow charged at Mr Williams who held his arms out, and while the animal stopped, 10 other cows charged at Mrs Williams who was trampled on the ground.

Farmer Richard Dormor denied failing to discharge his duty with his barrister calling it an "unfortunate incident".

The court heard how Mrs Williams needed hospital treatment for a head wound and injuries to her chest, arm and leg.

Mr Williams was able to get his wife out of the field despite being butted in his leg by a cow.

The Health and Safety Executive prosecution said there was a previous incident at Mr Dormor's Southdown farm at Common Hill, Beer, when a female dog walker was also trampled by charging cattle in May 2014.

Prosecutor Alistair Heggarty said Mr Dormor should not have put cattle and month-old calves in a field where the public had right of way, as cows could be more aggressive with their young and towards dogs.

He said the injuries suffered could have been much more serious, if not fatal.

Barrister Malcolm Galloway told the jury there were warning signs on the path and Dormor had followed all guidance.

Mr Galloway said: "Cows are not normally aggressive, this was an exceedingly unfortunate incident."

Mr Dormor denied failing to discharge his duty running a farm and not exposing people to risks by using a public right of way across a field in which cattle with calves at hoof grazed.

The jury cleared him after a week long trial.

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