A farmer whose cows were charged with a Rambler, who trampled him to death, was investigated for manslaughter, but no charges were brought, an investigation heard.
Malcolm Flynn (72) of Carlisle walked a portion of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland with a friend when they were confronted and attacked by cattle In a field on Thirlwall Castle Farm near Gilsland in September 2020.
The investigation into the death of Mr. Flynn heard that two more hikers were attacked by cows a year earlier in September 2019 on land farmed by Robert Scott.
Jurors at the hearing in Morpeth, Northumberland, were told that the couple was not badly injured in that case, but that it led to a health and safety executive inspection and maintenance action.
Mr. Scott then erected warning signs to warn Ramblers who run through fields that cows with calves can be unpredictable and that an alternative route should be taken if necessary.
Limousin cows, like this, killed Malcolm Flynn in September 2020. Photo: Istock
But he was told that he could not fence off the path, because it could disturb the ancient monument or any archeology of the Roman wall, the investigation said.
At the time, Mr. Scott 80 beef cattle and 500 sheep held on the 250-acre farm, near the border CumbriaAnd more than 80% of the fields had public rights to go through.
The investigation heard earlier that Mr. Flynn walked with a friend in September 2020 when they noticed a warning sign about cattle when they entered a field on Thirlwall Castle Farm along the Pennine Way – part of it followed Hadrian’s wall.
A white box shows where Mr. Flynn was killed near Gilsland. Pic: Northumbria Police/Google
Mr. Flynn was hit on the ground, trampled and kicked in the head by the herd of Limousin cattle – consisting of 18 cows, their calves and a bull – which only spread when the air ambulance flew about 30 minutes later.
He could not be saved and died of chest injuries.
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Detective Inspector Barry Mcatominey of Northumbria police told the jurors that the police initially looked at a corporate homicide or a gross negligence shadings.
But Di Mcatominey said there was insufficient evidence to provide charges after receiving advice from a cattle expert and because of the clear signage erected after the first incident.
Mr. Scott told the investigation that he had reduced his herd from 80 to 55, as Mr. Flynn has been trampled and no cattle have now been placed in countries that have had public rights in them unless the roads are fenced.
On a question about the general temperament of his Limousin cattle, Mr. Scott said: “There is a perception that they are a little more stronger, but I have never found it. When we had the Galloway cows, they were no different.”
Mr Flynn, a father of two, was a member of the Ramblers’ Association and walked regularly with his friend.
The investigation is expected to last all week.
