Farming company admits health and safety breach after Ashton teacher killed by stampeding cow

Marian Clode, 61, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was on holiday near Northumberland with her family at the time of her death in April 2016.

While out on a walk, a stampeding cow charged towards her at Swinhoe Farm, attacking her three times and inflicting fatal injuries. Marian later died in hospital as a result of neck fractures and a severe spinal cord injury.

An inquest into the primary school teacher's death found the cattle were assembled in a 'non secure holding area' in preparation for movement when some cattle broke loose from the holding area onto the public bridleway, where Marian and her family were returning to the farm.

They had no warning either by verbal or by signage and due to the topography of the area were unaware of the cattle coming towards them. 

Concerns were raised by the coroner regarding cattle movement undertaken without appropriate measure in place to mitigate the risks of cattle breakout as well as contingency plans or strategies in the event of cattle breakout.

After initially denying any offending, a farming company have now admitted failures. Farmer Alistair Nixon appeared, on behalf of the JM Nixon partnership, at Newcastle Crown Court to plead guilty to a health and safety breach.

He admitted the business failed to ensure the health and safety of persons other than employees by exposing them to risks to their safety from the movement of cattle.

Craig Hassall KC, prosecuting, referred to a statement by Miriam Parker, a cattle behaviour expert, who said farmers were guided by the Highway Code when moving livestock and they should be kept under control on public rights of way at all times.

Mr Hassall said the defendant had not made a 'suitable and sufficient' assessment of the risk of moving cattle down the public right of way.

Judge Gittins indicated he will pass sentence on Friday.