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Cornwall Farmer Fined After Herd Attacks Walkers on Coast Path

Regulators said housing cows with young calves on a field crossed by the South West Coast Path created a significant risk to walkers.

Overview

  • Beverley Chapman of Tembleath Farm pleaded guilty on 16 December at Bristol Magistrates' Court to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
  • The court imposed a £5,260 fine plus £4,650 in prosecution costs and a £2,000 surcharge.
  • On 30 June 2024, 75-year-old Brian Gregory was trampled at Park Head, Porthcothan, suffering a severed artery and other injuries that required surgery and five days in hospital.
  • Chapman was told of the first attack the same day but increased the herd size, and a month later two local residents were attacked with one of their dogs needing surgery.
  • The cattle were removed only after a Cornwall Council rights of way officer instructed action four days later, with HSE noting safer enclosed fields were available and confirming Mr Gregory had taken appropriate precautions.