Man, 71, denies digger damage at Shropshire beauty spot

A 71-year-old Shropshire man charged with causing criminal damage with a digger at a north Shropshire beauty spot has denied the charges after claiming the land belongs to him.

Antony Barnett, of The Grove, Hodnet, near Market Drayton, is charged with damaging metal gates, signage and a dog waste bin at Prees Heath Common, near Whitchurch on August 9 last year.

Barnett appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court yesterday to face two charges of causing more than £4,000 of damage.

Mr Adam Warner, prosecuting, said the land was owned by Butterfly Conservation.

He said Barnett got Colin Handley to drive a digger on to the nature reserve to tear down the gates, sign and bin. Giving evidence, Mr Handley said he was unaware why Barnett asked him to carry out the act.

Stephen Lewis, Prees Heath officer and member of Butterfly Conservation, said the group bought the land in 2006 and installed gates to prevent illegal access.

Barnett, who was representing himself, claimed Butterfly Conservation failed to supply him with proof of ownership of the land when asked.

He claimed Prees Heath Common was common land and as a commoner he acted within his rights.

District judge Bruce Morgan adjourned the hearing until May 23 when the prosecution will continue its case.