A farmer who bulldozed a riverside beauty spot to ‘protect local homes from flooding’ has had his jail sentence reduced on appeal – despite a scathing review of his actions by the judge.
John Price, 68, was found guilty of environmental destruction after he used an 18-tonne digger to dredge and strip a section of the River Lugg on his land in Leominster, Herefordshide, destroying important habitats.
In April, Judge Ian Strongman labelled the action ‘ecological vandalism on an industrial scale’ and sentenced Mr Price to 12 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay costs of £600,000.
The Environment Agency said the damage was one of the worst cases of riverside destruction it had ever seen, which led to a ‘devastating’ effect on local wildlife, which included populations of otters and salmon.
Mr Price claimed he carried out the activity in late 2020 to protect nearby residents from flooding.
Appearing at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday, he had his sentence reduced to 10 months.
Judge Nicholas Cole told Price he was not satisfied a suspended sentence could be justified due to his ‘outrageous’ and ‘persistent’ behaviour.
He added there was no justification for his illegal actions and he had acted in a ‘selfish and ignorant’ manner as he ‘blatantly disregarded the law’.
‘The River Lugg rises in Wales and has been described as one of the best examples of a clay river in mainland Britain,’ said Judge Cole.
‘It’s a core refuge area for otters. Native white claw crayfish are common. It also has 121 different species of plant life.
‘In November 2020, Mr Price embarked on the works. He did so having hired an 18-tonne bulldozer and driver. This was used over several days in order to remove gravel from the river bed and push it up on the banks.
‘Some 70 odd trees were removed from the site of special scientific interest. It would take many decades for any replacement trees to reach maturity.
‘It is clear that this traditional meandering river lined by trees had been turned into a canal. The defendant has at times asserted that his actions were as a result of his desire to reduce the risk of flooding.
‘Subsequent investigation by environment agencies has found that his actions has made matters worse. There can be no doubt that these works had nothing to do with the reduction of flooding. It was in blatant disregard of the environment and the law.
‘We are quite satisfied that this defendant knew what he was doing at the time.
‘These were all deliberate offences given that Mr Price intentionally breached and had a flagrant disregard for the law.’
He added it was clear from character references that Price, who has assets worth more than £20million, is held in high regard and runs a successful farm.
But he pointed out that previous convictions for similar environmental offences meant he shouldn’t be treated as a man of good character.
Judge Cole said only a sentence of immediate custody was appropriate for the damage he had caused.
Environmentalists – including BBC Gardeners’ World host Monty Don – were among those who expressed their shock at the ‘complete obliteration’ of the site.
Natural England and the Environment Agency said it could take several decades for the damage and wildlife habitats be fully restored.
Emma Johnson, area manager for Natural England said: ‘The destruction of this section of the River Lugg was devastating for the abundance and range of species which thrived in this river.
‘The River Lugg is one of the most iconic rivers in the UK and to see this wanton destruction take place was devastating.’
Mr Price previously said he was asked to carry out the work for free as he was fixing the erosion of the river bed and helping to solve flooding issues.
He claimed the work he did on the riverbanks is legal and says he has the backing of local councillors and residents.
Homes were flooded during Storm Dennis in early 2020, but when Storm Christoph hit in January 2021, houses stayed dry.
Speaking after he cleared the riverbank, Mr Price said: ‘I’m a Herefordshire farmer and have lived at Hay Farm and was born here at home.
‘I have never moved and have watched this river all my life and no one knows this river better than myself. I have always looked after the river. I was asked to stop the erosion because I’m the landowner so I’m responsible for the river.
‘It was up to the Environmental Agency to look after these rivers but they don’t do any work and haven’t got any money to do the work because they spend it all on clipboards.
‘I have not pushed any trees out and I haven’t knocked any trees down I have only cleared what ones came down in the flood.’
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