Farmer takes fight to High Court

A farmer is set to take Cumbrian Trading Standards to the highest court in the land in a bid to overturn a conviction for breach of cattle regulations.

Raymond Shepherd, 58, lost his appeal at Carlisle Crown Court today (Tue 16th Feb), after he was found guilty of failing to produce farming records relating to bovine cattle.

He was fined ₤2,500 and ordered to pay ₤5,000 in costs by Judge Peter Hughes QC.

However Mr. Shepherd, of West Mustgrave Farm, Bishop Auckland, accused the court of judicial bias and procedural irregularities and has instructed his solicitor, David Kirwan, a specialist in agricultural cases, to take his fight to the High Court.

Speaking outside Carlisle Crown Court, David Kirwan, of Liverpool-based Kirwans Solicitors, said: "My client is deeply upset at losing his appeal and is determined to bring his fight for justice to the highest court in the land.

"He stated from the very outset of this investigation by Cumbrian Trading Standards that he was not, and never has been, the keeper of the cattle in question.

"My client was merely a casual farm hand. His case will have significance for farmers up and down the country who employ casual labour."

High Court Advocate Mr. Kirwan insisted the case rested on prosecutors on behalf of Cumbrian Trading Standards proving Mr. Shepherd was the keeper of the disputed cattle.

He added: "My client feels very strongly that there were judicial bias and procedural irregularities and the decision was made against the weight of evidence produced.

"And it is for these reasons that I am prepared to take his case to the High Court."

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