A farmer in Swansea has been ordered to pay over £3,000 for allowing his grandson to ride with him on a tractor, breaking the law. William Walters, 78, of Tirmynydd Farm, received a warning but was caught repeating the offence after his grandson fell from a horse. A neighbour reported Walters for operating a tractor with his grandchildren on board, specifically expressing concern about his grandson riding in the front of the vehicle.
At a sentencing hearing in Swansea Crown Court, it was revealed that allowing a child under 13 to ride in a tractor is an offence under the Health and Safety Act. Despite being warned by the Health and Safety Executive in 2020 and served with a probation notice, Walters continued to allow his grandson to ride in the tractor in 2021, leading to further complaints from the neighbour.
The court heard that Walters’ daughter submitted a written statement in November 2021, explaining that her son had fallen off a horse, prompting Walters to take him back to the farm in the tractor so he wouldn’t have to walk. Walters pleaded guilty to the offence and, in addition to breaching a previous suspended prison sentence, he was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
In mitigation, Walters’ lawyer stated that his client has outstanding financial obligations related to previous convictions and is involved in a county court dispute. Walters expressed remorse but believed his actions were necessary following his grandson’s injury. Recorder Jonathan Rees KC emphasized the dangers of allowing a child in a tractor, labelling Walters’ actions as a flagrant disregard for the law.
As part of his sentencing, Walters was ordered to pay £3,000 in court costs and a £500 fine. The court highlighted the potential risks children pose in such situations, emphasizing the need to adhere to safety regulations to prevent accidents on farms.