Farmer held vet's head under farm slurry....yes, there's a pic of the slurry-ee!

The BBC ^ | Friday, 23 January, 2004, 15:00 GMT | Anonymous BBC story monkey

[alnitak]

Vet Sue Potter had to hold her breath under the slurry

A farmer who held a terrified vet's face under 18 inches of slurry has been found guilty of affray.

Judge Stephen O'Malley released farmer Roger Baker on bail while a pre-sentence report was carried out, but warned him he faced jail.

The jury at Taunton Crown Court could not agree on a second charge of threats to kill and the case was dropped by the prosecution.

Susan Potter, 46, and animal health inspector Jonathan McCulloch, 27, were videoing a dead lamb and emaciated cattle on Baker's land at Ventongimps, near Truro, a year ago when the attack took place.

Baker, 61, first dragged Mr McCulloch into knee-deep liquid manure and when Mrs Potter went to his aid he turned on her and pushed her into the mire.

Mrs Potter told the jury she thought she was going to be drowned and had to hold her breath as she was held under the liquid.

Roger Baker denied making threats

Baker, who lives in a caravan at Ventongimps, denied affray and threats to kill.

He did not give evidence but his barrister Robert Linford said his actions, while scandalous and deplorable, did not amount to affray.

He said Baker did not make any threats but if he had they were not meant to be taken seriously.

Michael Brabin, prosecuting, told the jury: "What happened to Mrs Potter was no laughing matter but in James Herriot's words, it should not happen to a vet."

Baker, a sheep trader, has convictions for animal cruelty spanning 30 years.

In 1999 he was jailed for five-and-a-half months for abusing dozens of animals and was banned for life from keeping livestock.

'Consistently cruel'

At the time an RSPCA spokesman described him as the "most consistently cruel person" they had dealt with.

As a result of his history, Judge Stephen O'Malley warned Baker he faces jail.

Addressing defence barrister Robert Linford, he said: "He has been sentenced to imprisonment twice and it hasn't resulted in improvements."

He added: "The details and overall position will impinge on my mind when deciding whether or how long he is going to spend in prison."

Speaking directly to Baker, he said: "I warn you it will be a sentence of imprisonment on you for affray."

He released Baker on bail on the condition he assists in the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

[alnitak]

She doesn't look happy does she? Wonder why that is...

[Wolfie]

When I take you out in my slurry...

[KineticKitty]

Considering his past record, this doesn't sound like it should be a shock to anyone.

[cjshapi]

Geeze, my vets have irritated me over the year's but I never planted 'em in the manure pile!

[alnitak]

Vet Sue Potter had to hold her breath under the slurry

Well, she didn't HAVE to, but it was advisable :-)

[raybbr]

I hope I am the first.

affray

\Af*fray"\, n. [OE. afrai, affrai, OF. esfrei, F. effroi, fr. OF. esfreer. See Affray, v. t.] 1. The act of suddenly disturbing any one; an assault or attack. [Obs.]

2. Alarm; terror; fright. [Obs.] --Spenser.

3. A tumultuous assault or quarrel; a brawl; a fray. ``In the very midst of the affray.'' --Motley.

4. (Law) The fighting of two or more persons, in a public place, to the terror of others. --Blackstone.

Note: A fighting in private is not, in a legal sense, an affray.

Syn: Quarrel; brawl; scuffle; encounter; fight; contest; feud; tumult; disturbance.

[Mr. K]

OK. I'll ask- what is "Affray"

[steveo]

Not that it is that obscure a reference but interesting that was the first thing to pop into my head too.

[gcruse]

Baker, who lives in a caravan...down by the river....looks  awfully  like Paul Newman.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

...found guilty of affray,

Be affray...be very affray.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

Yuch, she looks like she has just been to a John Fricking Kerry rally.

[Scenic Sounds]

LOL.

I think they should send this case out for mediation - a neutral third party might be able to bring these folks back together again. ;-)

[gcruse]

a neutral third party might be able to bring these folks back together again.

No sh!t?

[Scenic Sounds]

I think Sue has a thing for Roger - too bad he's married.

[pabianice]

Baker is registered to vote as a Democrat in Florida, Maryland, and California ...

[Jonah Hex]

Sounds like Baker is guilty of making a whinge with a slurry on top.

(crawling back into my pun-proof spiderhole)

[Rebelbase]

Slurry happens.

[Maria S]

After a heavy day's digging at the archeological site in Norway, researchers uncovered a priceless statue of the ancient Norse thunder god. He had bulging muscles and imposing stance, and of course his famous giant hammer.

But most important of all, the eyes in his fierce-looking face were made of two giant rubies that glittered with a brilliant red color.

Of course, the two leading archeologists on the dig were both determined that they should be the one to have their name listed on the discovery. Pretty soon, a big argument was underway.

The two provided the others with a great source of amusement for the evening. By the time they finally gave up and called a truce, everyone else was feeling quite refreshed by the entertainment. As the crowd dispersed, one junior digger turned to his friend, and said: "Well, THAT was a fight for Thor eyes."

[flying Elvis]

He looks like Babe the pig's owner.

[NativeSon]

When I take you out in my slurry...

baahahahah, great now I have a show-tune running through my head!! (good thing that I'm going to the Range tonight, a few hundred rounds should clear me right up)