A COURT case against seven environmental campaigners evicted from Yorkley Court Farm was thrown out because of a series of errors by prosecutors – leaving the new owners fuming.

The errors in the administration of the case against the seven for aggravated trespass meant a district judge, sitting at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, refused to hear the case.

The owners of the farm have issued a statement saying they are “extremely disappointed” at the collapse of the case.

The statement issued on behalf of the owners said: “Despite overwhelming evidence, comprising of extensive police CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts from four individuals – two of whom were police officers – the case collapsed because the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) failed to follow the correct procedures regarding the disclosure of evidence and witness changes to the defence prior to the hearing.  

“These administrative failures resulted in key evidence being excluded from the trial and the refusal by the district judge of a CPS request to adjourn, causing the case against the defendants to collapse.

“The lawful eviction of the illegal squatters on March 10 required a great deal of planning with Gloucestershire Police and other agencies and with a considerable cost being borne by the landowner.  

“The illegal return of the squatters the following day, accompanied by arson and violence, and their occupation of a Nissan hut roof constituted aggravated trespass, a matter that had to be dealt with by the police using significant resource and causing inconvenience to the local community.

“We thank Gloucestershire Police and praise their exemplary work in assisting us achieve an effective eviction.  

“It is incredibly frustrating and disappointing that their professionalism during the eviction and thoroughness in preparing a strong legal case did not result in the successful prosecution. 

“A huge operation has taken place at Yorkley Court Farm since the eviction to remove the dwellings erected by the squatters without planning consent, clear the debris, barricades and booby-traps and tidy up the farm.

“As yet, no plans have been made for the future of Yorkley Court Farm and the focus remains on restoring the area to it’s natural state.”

The campaigners have denied there were booby-traps placed around the farm and had also made claims that there were heavy handed tactics used by bailiffs during the eviction.