BREAKING NEWS: Fireman charged over farmer Harold Lee's death (From Bridgwater Mercury)

BREAKING NEWS: Fireman charged over farmer Harold Lee's death

2:15pm Friday 5th March 2010 in

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A FIREMAN has this afternoon been charged with manslaughter over the death of Somerset farmer Harold Lee, who was crushed to death when his herd of cows stampeded.

Mr Lee, 75, of Burtle, near Bridgwater, died on August 11 last year. His family has claimed the herd may have been spooked by the sound of sirens and the flashing lights of a fire engine heading to an emergency.

Today, 49-year-old Julian Lawford was charged with manslaughter. He has been bailed to appear before Taunton Deane Magistrates Court on March 25.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said Mr Lawford had been suspended.

A fire service spokesman said: “As this matter will now proceed through the criminal courts we are not able to comment further.

“The thoughts of the service remain with Mr Lee’s family at this difficult time.”