Herefordshire farmer who bulldozed river Lugg released from prison
John Price, from Kingsland, has served less than three months of his prison sentence after destroying a 1.5km stretch of the protected river
A Herefordshire farmer who used an 18-ton bulldozer to rip up trees and reprofile the river Lugg in Kingsland has been released from prison.
John Price was jailed for 12 months after causing the damage where he stripped trees and vegetation from riverbanks – but this was reduced to 10 months after an appeal.
But after three months, the Prison Service confirmed he had been released.
A spokesperson said: “Offenders must pass tough risk assessments before being approved for Home Detention Curfew and abide by strict rules – which if broken will see them returned to prison.”
Strict rules Price, of Day House farm in Kingsland, near Leominster, must now follow are likely to include where he can go and who he can contact.
The Environment Agency said it was the worst river-side destruction it had seen and claimed the affected area, a 1.5-kilometre stetch, could take several decades to recover, following the unlawful works, including dredging of the river's bed, carried out during 2020 and 2021.
The Lugg in Kingsland, where the work was carried out, is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), meaning any works need an Environment Agency permit, and must adhere to strict conditions.
Giving his appeal ruling at Worcester Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Cole said the important and beautiful tree-lined river had been turned into a sterile canal, robbing it of important diversity of plants and animals.
"It was vandalism of the environment on a grand scale. We do not accept there was any justification of your actions," he said.
"You failed to seek expert advice despite having means to do so and in our judgement acted in a selfish and ignorant manner."
Price had claimed he carried out re-modelling of the riverbanks to cut the risk of nearby properties flooding.
Price "simply didn't care" about the regulations, the judge added, highlighting aggravating features including an incident where he spotted an official taking photographs of the illegal activity, "early in the morning", and followed the official in his car.
The judge said Price got in his vehicle and chased him for 11 miles, shouting and driving aggressively.
Judge Cole added that rather than reduce flooding risk, "subsequent investigation by the Environment Agency and Natural England have noted that his actions may, in fact, in due course make matters worse".