Sentencing expected for farmer who damaged River Lugg banks

A Herefordshire farmer who pleaded guilty to damaging the protected River Lugg is facing sentencing in the coming weeks.

Arable and beef farmer John Price, 68, from Day House Farm, Kingsland, Leominster, carried out unauthorised work on the riverbank between 1 and 30 November 2020.

See also: Farmer pleads guilty to damaging River Lugg

Mr Price acted to help reduce a flooding risk to local properties and work was carried out after a meeting with a local parish councillor and an Environment Agency (EA) official.  

However, the unauthorised work broke rules under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and contravened Environmental Permitting Regulations. A case was brought jointly by the EA and Natural England.

At Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court in May 2022, Mr Price pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to unconsented operations and causing damage to a site of special scientific interest.

During the trial the court heard that some of the offences carried an unlimited fine and a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

Mr Price was back at the court on 6 April for a hearing ahead of sentencing.

The court was told that the cost of repairing the damage caused by reprofiling and straightening the river course would be £655,000 plus costs. Sentencing is expected in the next two weeks.