A Herefordshire farmer's protective instincts erupted into a terrifying armed standoff after he discovered a teenage boy lurking outside his daughter's bedroom in the dead of night.
The 55-year-old man, described in court as an "old-school farmer," was awoken by noises at his rural property at 3:50am. Upon investigation, he found a 19-year-old male trespasser outside his daughter's room, triggering a furious confrontation.
Armed with a shotgun, the father threatened to shoot the intruder, leading the terrified teen to flee the scene and alert the authorities. The incident prompted a significant police response, with armed units dispatched to the farm.
Hereford Magistrates' Court heard how the farmer, who cannot be named for legal reasons to protect his daughter's identity, admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
The Dramatic Confrontation
Prosecutor Owen Beale detailed the chilling events: "The defendant attended the door with the shotgun and told him to 'get off my land or I will shoot you'. The male then ran off and called the police."
The court was told the farmer had been drinking prior to the incident, which likely contributed to his extreme reaction. Despite the grave nature of the threat, the prosecution acknowledged the mitigating circumstances of finding an intruder on his property near his daughter's room.
Legal Outcome and Mitigation
Defence solicitor John Gibson argued that his client's actions were driven by a father's primal need to protect his family. "He is an old-school farmer who found a man outside his daughter's bedroom window at 3.50am," Mr. Gibson stated.
Magistrates handed the farmer a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £185 in costs and a victim surcharge, and had his firearm licence revoked.
The case highlights the extreme reactions that can occur when homeowners, particularly in isolated rural locations, feel their family's safety is under threat.
