Farmer charged over fatal bull attack

A farmer has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a rambler killed by a bull.


Paul Geoffrey Waterfall, 39, of Leake Lane, Stanford on Soar, Leicestershire, has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.


Roger Freeman, 63, was attacked by a bull while walking with his wife Glenis on a public footpath through a field at Underhill Farm in Stanford on Soar.


Mr Freeman, from Glen Parva, Leicestershire, died at the scene from multiple injuries on 12 November 2010.


His wife, then 67, was critically injured and spent three weeks in hospital. Police say she is continuing her recovery at home.


The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was sufficient evidence to charge Mr Waterfall in connection with the death.


Alison Norton, a specialist prosecutor handling special crime in the CPS, said: “I have carefully examined the evidence gathered by Nottinghamshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive during their investigations into the death of Roger Freeman.


“I have concluded there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Paul Waterfall, who was responsible for Underhill Farm and its livestock at the time of the incident, with gross negligence manslaughter.


“This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Roger Freeman.”


She added: “Criminal proceedings are now under way and Mr Waterfall has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.”


Mr Waterfall has been bailed to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 21 August.


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