Accidental death verdict for worker killed by bull
A dairy farmworker was crushed to death by a bull that charged him repeatedly before help could arrive, an inquest has been told.
James Leech was killed at Dunston Dairy Farm near Penkridge on 9 July last year, Stafford Coroner’s Court was told.
Mr Leech was working in a yard with the bull among a herd of dairy cows when it turned on him.
The animal cornered Mr Leech, ramming him against a gate several times.
A farm student, named in court as Orrie Carville, was working close by and tried to intervene, but was unable to prevent the accident. Mr Leech died eight days later at University Hospital, North Staffordshire.
The inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death at the hearing, which took place on 11 September.
The Health and Safety Executive served the farm with an enforcement notice after it found the herding staff were unaware of any risk assessments in place.
It is now beginning a review of the case.