Patrick Cassidy, instructed by Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors, represented an 80-year old pony breeder, previously convicted of charges breaching the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and ordered to pay more than £16,000 in fines and legal costs.

The charges, brought by Natural England, accused Mr Potter of over-grazing his 24 endangered Fell ponies and sheep on land that had been declared to have a Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1988; which the Potter family had licensed since the 1960s.

Ultimately, a Crown Court Judge quashed his convictions and set aside his fines, after an out of Court settlement between Mr Potter and Natural England was agreed.

The Telegraph reports further here.

For appropriate cases, Patrick Cassidy will accept instructions from the general public on a direct access basis. Please contact our Senior Criminal Clerk, Paul Mander ([email protected]) for further information.

Fell Pony Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons