Farmer fined after blaming sheep for hole in Offa’s Dyke

A FARMER who busted a 23ft hole in a world-famous Welsh monument and then tried to blame his sheep, has been ordered to pay more than £2,000.

Richard Pugh, 35, destroyed part of the historic Offa’s Dyke – a protected 150-mile stretch of ancient earthwork along the border of England and Wales.

His excuse, that his sheep were responsible for the damage, was branded “unbelievably ridiculous”, by Judge Rhys Rowlands.

The judge told Mold Crown Court: “Offa’s Dyke is a well known ancient monument. It has been there since the Dark Ages and there is very strong public interest in ensuring its survival in its present form.”

It is hard to believe Pugh was not aware of the dyke’s historical and tourism value, the judge said. “Your actions meant that a significant archaeological site may have been lost,” he added.

The court heard that in January 2018 a member of the public reported damage to Offa’s Dyke – which is named after the eighth-century king of Mercia who built it – where it runs through Mr Pugh’s farm in Powys, North Wales.

Pugh admitted he removed a hedge and fence to create a crossing point, but blamed sheep for causing most of the damage. He later admitted that his farming machinery contributed to it.

The farmer pleaded guilty to a charge of damaging an ancient monument and was fined £1,500 with £500 costs and a £150 surcharge.

Matthew Curtis, defending, said his client had spent around £2,000 trying to repair the dyke.