Firefighter is charged with manslaughter

By The Newsroom
Published 5th Mar 2010, 21:49 BST
Updated 5th Mar 2010, 22:21 BST
A FIREFIGHTER was charged with manslaughter yesterday after a farmer was trampled to death by cows allegedly startled by a fire engine.

Harold Lee, 75, was riding a quad bike at the back of the 100-strong dairy herd as he and son Richard were taking the animals to be milked on 11 August last year.

Firefighter Julian Lawford, 49, was charged with manslaughter following an Avon and Somerset Police investigation. He has been bailed to appear before Taunton Dean Magistrates' Court on 25 March, police said.

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A fire service spokesman said: "Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service can confirm that they have suspended a firefighter, who has today been charged with an offence of manslaughter relating to an incident involving a fire appliance on August 11, 2009."