Overview

• Prosecutors at Newport Crown Court allege the Prests failed to provide training, PPE and safe equipment before directing Paul Marsden to use an ATV to spray herbicide in April 2020.
• An HSE investigation concluded the quadbike operation was "seriously unsafe" and that no suitable precautions were taken on steep, uneven ground.
• The defence argues Marsden was a self-employed contractor working in a domestic setting at his own risk, so the claimed statutory duties did not apply.
• The Crown cites business use of surrounding land to establish duty, noting 42.6 acres rented for agriculture and £16,651 in common agricultural payments in 2020.
• Marsden, 47, died of asphyxia after being found beneath the vehicle; the couple deny the charges, later arranged training for other staff, and the trial continues.