VILLAGERS in Winsley expressed mixed views this week after a farmer was given a suspended prison sentence for not putting up electric fencing before his herd of cows trampled a man to death.

Brian Godwin, 83, of Timothy Rise Farm, Limpley Stoke was found to be 'wilfully blind' to the risk to people crossing his field after a series of attacks over a four-year period that left walkers with serious injuries.

Swindon Crown Court heard on Monday how a number of Mr Godwin's 300-strong herd surrounded 66-year-old Mike Porter and his brother John as they walked their dogs on a footpath over his field in Turleigh in May 2013.

After knocking the men to the ground, the cows trampled on the pair, killing Mike Porter and injuring his brother.

"My mum lives in the area and she does not come up here any more," said 29-year-old Luke Giles from Bradford on Avon, who was walking his dog Jasper along the footpath on Tuesday.

"She is very aware of the history here and she is petrified of cows now. I don't think it bothers me though, there is like a one-in-a-million chance of it happening."

Some villagers, who did not want to be named, have expressed concerns that the Limousin breed of cows in the field were naturally aggressive, especially in spring when they are protecting their calves. Others were glad that Godwin was not jailed.

Winsley Cllr Magnus Macdonald said: "I think Mr Godwin was pretty negligent and the court found him to be exactly that but I think there is a wider problem too of people not looking after their dogs in the area. I am very sad for Mr and Mrs Godwin. To have people saying that he should be locked up and have them throw away the key is unnecessary. I think Winsley has moved on."

The court was told that before Prof Porter's death Godwin had repeatedly been told by the Health and Safety Executive to install electric fencing and put up more signs.

Prosecutor Carl Harrison said not enough had been done by the farmer, who had been been in the trade all his life.

Godwin had pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety of non employees under the Health and Safety Act 1974. He was ordered to pay £30,000 in costs and given a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years.

Speaking after the verdict, Adrienne Sillar, Mike Porter's partner of 35 years and the mother of their two children said she had spent the last three and a half years trying to turn the tragedy into a positive, and hopes that agencies will now review guidance relating to livestock near public rights of way.

She said: "Mike’s death was avoidable and while nothing will bring Mike back to us, we can at least take some comfort that lessons have been learned which will prevent others in the future being needlessly killed or injured.

"It is vital that the interests of farmers cannot take precedence over the health and safety of the public, and that those who, like Mike, love walking in the beautiful British countryside can do so without the risk of injury or death."

Mr Godwin's family declined to comment when the Times called at their farm this week.