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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier Saturday 17 Oct 1942
Page 2 Column 3 and 4
ANTI-HUNTING FARMER ALLEGES PREJUDICE
MILVERTON ARSON CHARGE FAILS
An allegation that the Somerset War Agricultural Committee was opposed to him because he was an anti-hunting man was made by a Milverton farmer charged with arson at Somerset Quarter Sessions on Wednesday.
Gilbert Thomas WENSLEY (47) farmer, formerly of Garnivalsweek Farm, Milverton, pleaded not guilty to, on August 2nd setting fire to a heap of hay, valued 3s 6d, the property of Thomas COTTRELL, of Milverton.
Mr. F. A. WILSHIRE, prosecuting, said it was regarded as a serious case. WENSLEY bought the farm in 1921 but since the war there had been complications between him and the Somerset War Agricultural Committee. In July last they took over the farm, and it was let to Mr. COTTRELL.
“POOK” BURNED
Thomas COTTRELL, Forde Bridge Farm, Milverton, gave evidence of taking over the land and cutting the hay. He found that a “pook” of hay in Cox's Meadow had burned on August 2nd.
Thomas SHEPHERD, farm labourer, Ivy Cottage, Weekmoor, and Hubert CORNISH, farm labourer, Ashford Buildings, Milverton, said they saw WENSLEY standing beside a burning “pook” of hay in Cox's Meadow on August 2nd, and Edward Talbot WRIGHT, farmer, Weekmoor, Milverton, said WENSLEY was carrying a rake and a tin or bottle.
P.C. BROOKS, Milverton, said when charged WENSLEY said: “It is my hay and I am going to burn it any time. I did burn a heap of hay in Cox's Meadow on Sunday, August 2nd, as it is my property.”
“ALL HUNT SUPPORTERS”
Defendant said the Milverton farm was the joint property of himself and his wife and he considered that the hay, which he fired, belonged to himself and his wife. At any rate, Mr. COTTRELL had not claimed insurance for the loss of the hay.
In cross-examination, defendant denied that “he had his knife” into the War Agricultural Executive Committee. The Committee was opposed to him because he was an anti-hunting man, and they were all hunting supporters.
The Chairman: If you believed this hay was your property why set fire to it? - Why not? I could set fire to the whole lot if it was my hay.
The Chairman: That's no answer to the question, but I won't pursue it.
The jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and defendant was discharged.