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HomeFarming NewsFarmer and tractor driver reported for unsecured load of bales
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Farmer and tractor driver reported for unsecured load of bales

Police have reported a farmer and trailer driver for transporting an unsecured load of silage bales.

Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team brought the trailer and trailer combination to a halt earlier this morning (Thursday, April 8th, 2021). In a tweet, police provided details of the ordeal.

Unsecured load of bales

In the post, a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team, said:

“This tractor & trailer had no securing ratchet straps. Farm owner turned up uninterested in the matter.”

“Our recent agricultural vehicle insecure load RTC in Netherexe was highlighted & he replied that this load was secure (it is not). Both driver and farmer reported. 4300/3656.” the spokesperson added.

Farmworker convicted after cyclist left brain damaged by loose straw bales

Earlier this year, a farm worker was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after failing to secure a load of straw bales that fell onto a cyclist causing him brain damage.

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Matthew Shapcott, 40, from Silverton, was convicted on Tuesday, January 12th, after entering a guilty plea at Exeter Crown Court.

The judge sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and 140 hours unpaid work.

On August 2nd, 2019, Shapcott loaded a trailer with straw bales and failed to secure them to the trailer, despite having ratchet straps in the vehicle.

While driving along a road in Netherexe, near Exeter, one of the bales fell from the trailer striking a passing male cyclist who suffered significant, life-changing injuries as a result.

The 69-year-old man suffered a bleed on the brain and was in a coma for 13 days. He sustained numerous other injuries including two fractures to his spine.

The court heard will never recover from the brain damage which has caused partial blindness.

Motor Patrol Constable Hamilton-Schaschke, said: “This devastating incident was all entirely avoidable if Shapcott had simply secured the load.”

“This incident should serve as a reminder to motorists to ensure they secure their loads, whatever it is they are transporting, wherever they are going, when travelling on public roads, so tragedies such as this are avoided.”

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