A Cornish farmer has been handed a significant financial penalty following multiple dangerous incidents involving cattle on a public footpath, which resulted in a man being hospitalised with serious injuries.
Series of Attacks on Coastal Path
The case, heard by the courts, centred on a field in Cornwall containing a public right of way. In June 2024, 75-year-old Brian Gregory was walking his dog through the field when he was trampled and butted by a herd of cows that were with their calves.
The attack caused severe injuries, including a severed artery, and led to Mr Gregory requiring a five-day stay in hospital. Following this incident, the farmer, Beverley Chapman, was informed of the attack and advised to remove the cattle from the field.
Farmer Ignored Advice and Increased Herd
Despite the warning, Ms Chapman did not remove the animals. Shockingly, she instead increased the size of the herd in the same field where the public footpath was located.
A month later, in July 2024, two more local residents were attacked by cattle in the same location. Their dog was also seriously injured during the incident. It was only after an official instruction from Cornwall Council that Ms Chapman finally removed the cattle from the field.
Guilty Plea and Substantial Penalty
Ms Chapman pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act. At sentencing, she was fined £5,260 for the offence.
In addition to the fine, she was ordered to pay £4,650 in prosecution costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge. This brings the total financial penalty to over £11,900.
The case has highlighted the serious responsibilities landowners have to ensure the safety of the public using rights of way across their land, especially when livestock is present.
