A neglectful farming firm whose bull ran amok and outbuildings were at risk of collapsing has been hit with a hefty fine.

Seymour Stevens Ltd was found to be risking staff safety over many years on its land in Faversham by trying to avoid paying maintenance bills.

The arable and beef producer pleaded guilty to multiple health and safety breaches following a Health and Safety Executive probe.

During a site visit in November 2022, inspectors found one barn used as a through route by an employee, was deemed unsafe to enter due to its poor structural state.

Stevens was aware of the dangers but opted against repairs due to the costs involved and continued to allow its use.

Several electrical faults were also identified within that shed.

In another outbuilding, the roof was insecurely fixed and weighed down with a hay bale in an attempt to prevent it from moving.

Roof sheeting was also in poor condition and in a state of disrepair – even falling from buildings in some cases.

Bull pens were broken and rusty and concerns were raised about the suitability of these to contain a bull – it would later emerge a bull has escaped from the farm in December 2022 before being brought back to the site by police.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. act 1974 and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £4,830 in costs at a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on April 24.

The company had previously been invited to attend a paid-for “Preparing for Inspection” course, designed to offer advice on health and safety responsibilities – an offer which was snubbed by Seymour Stevens.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Peter Bruce said: “While agriculture accounts for just one percent of the working population, it accounts for about 20 per cent of workplace fatalities.

“In the case at Seymour Stevens farm, there were failings to manage health and safety risks associated with animals and falling objects - two of the five most common causes of fatal injuries in the agriculture sector.

“Employees and members of the public were being put at risk, despite previous warnings having been given to the company by their staff.

“It is important that employers maintain their workplaces and equipment to suitable standards to ensure that employees, visitors and members of the public are not put at risk.”