Farmer fined for attacking farmworker with a plank
A Devon farmer hit a farmworker around the head with a plank of wood after falsely accusing him of stealing quad bikes from his farm.
Leonard Chappell, 58, attacked Lee Boyes, 19, without any warning when Mr Boyes went to ask for an apology after hearing he was being blamed for the theft of two quad bikes.
Mr Chappell, of Burcombe Moor, Rose Ash, South Molton, armed himself with a plank and hit Mr Boyes across the ear before had chance to speak during the visit to his farm, Exeter Crown Court heard.
The court was told how the farmer was only stopped from inflicting further injury after the victim’s 17-year-old girlfriend rushed to his aid. As they fled Mr Chappell shouted he was going to kill Mr Boyes.
Mr Chappell admitted wounding with intent during the attack, which left Mr Boyes needing ten stitches to his ear, and was fined £1,000 with £600 compensation and £548 costs.
Handing down the fine, Judge Francis Gilbert QC, said Mr Chappell had stupidly seen red after he became convinced Mr Boyes had stolen two quad bikes in May 2011.
“If you had stopped to think you would have realised it is pretty unlikely he would come to see you if he were involved but instead of speaking to him or allowing him to explain himself you picked up a piece of two by two,” the judge said.
“You admitted to police that when you saw him you saw red and so armed yourself and hit him. At least you knew it was wrong.
“This was disgraceful and stupid conduct and you are right to be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. I accept it was totally contrary to your character.”
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