Caselaw Digest
Caselaw Digest

Charles Hartt & Ors v Pembrokeshire County Council

[2024] EWCA Crim 1425
Three farmers were fined heavily for not properly identifying their cows, which made it harder to control a serious disease (bovine TB). They appealed, saying the fines were too high, but the court said the fines were fair given the seriousness of their actions and the importance of disease control.

Key Facts

  • Three members of the Hartt family (Charles, Edward, and Henry) pleaded guilty to 12 counts of breaching the Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007.
  • The breaches involved misidentification of cattle, hindering bovine TB control efforts.
  • The family farm had a large herd (3600 cattle) and significant financial assets.
  • Each appellant received a £24,000 fine (£2000 per count consecutively), plus costs and a confiscation order.
  • The appeal challenged the fines as manifestly excessive.

Legal Principles

Proportionality of sentencing

Sentencing Act 2020, ss. 124 & 125

Consideration of offender's means in sentencing

Sentencing Act 2020, ss. 124 & 125; Proceeds of Crime Act 2007, s.13

Totality principle in sentencing

Sentencing Act 2020, ss. 124 & 125

Relevance of guidelines for analogous offences (food safety)

None explicitly stated, but discussed in relation to argument presented.

Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007, Regs 4 & 13

Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007

Outcomes

Appeal dismissed.

The court found the judge's sentencing approach impeccable, considering the seriousness of the offences, the defendants' means, and the need to uphold regulations crucial for public health (bovine TB control). The fines, while substantial, were deemed proportionate and not manifestly excessive.

Similar Cases

Caselaw Digest Caselaw Digest

UK Case Law Digest provides comprehensive summaries of the latest judgments from the United Kingdom's courts. Our mission is to make case law more accessible and understandable for legal professionals and the public.

Stay Updated

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest case law updates and legal insights.

© 2025 UK Case Law Digest. All rights reserved.

Information provided without warranty. Not intended as legal advice.