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A farmer has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a rambler was killed by a bull.

Roger Freeman, 63, was walking with his wife along a public footpath through a field off Leake Lane in Stanford on Soar at around 4.30pm on Friday November 12 2010 when the bull struck.

Mr Freeman from Glen Parva in Leicestershire, died at the scene from multiple injuries.

His wife, who was 67 at the time, was critically injured and spent three weeks in hospital.

Police said she continues to recuperate at home.

Today the CP announced that Paul Geoffrey Waterfall, 39, of Leake Lane, Stanford on Soar, Leicestershire, has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.

Alison Norton, specialist prosecutor handling special crime in the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "I have concluded there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Paul Waterfall, who was responsible for Underhill Farm and its livestock at the time of the incident, with gross negligence manslaughter.

"This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Roger Freeman."

She added: "Criminal proceedings are now under way and Mr Waterfall has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial."

Waterfall has been bailed to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday August 21.