By Dave Lord

TRADING STANDARDS officers carrying out a routine inspection of a Perthshire farm were forced to flee when the farmer drove a tractor towards them.

Grahame Greenhill leapt into the tractor after falling out with the inspectors during a visit to his farm in Alyth.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how the offence was triggered by a dispute involving hygiene regulations.

Two female trading standard officers fled to their car after Greenhill came close to striking them with the tractor, the court heard.

The 51-year-old farmer yesterday pleaded guilty to causing a breach of the peace by driving a tractor near to the pair of council officials as they inspected a barn.

Depute fiscal Janine Bates said the incident occurred at Greenhill’s Loyal Farm on November 22.

“The visit had been pre-arranged and the officers were met by the accused,” she told the court.

“They ran a number of checks on the farm and the procedures relating to the storage of food-stuffs.

“During the checks an issue arose in relation to the storage of barley.

“This was highlighted to the accused and he disagreed with the officers.”

She continued, “The accused then claimed that the trading standards officers were not following procedures regarding the disinfection of footwear prior to entering the storage area.

“This was disputed by the complainers and the accused left the barn.

“The complainers attempted to persuade him to return but he refused and went to a nearby tractor.”

The trading standards officers initially attempted to continue with their checks but were soon confronted with the terrifying sight of Greenhill apparently heading straight for them.

“The accused drove the tractor extremely close to the complainers...they thought he was going to hit them,” Miss Bates continued.

“They ran out of the way and, in fear for their safety, ran out of the barn.

“They made their way to the car and left without completing their inspection.”

Solicitor Susan Smart said Greenhill now accepted his behaviour was “alarming.”

“He did not wish to discuss the particular matter raised with the trading standards officers any further and wanted to continue with his work for the day,” she said.

“This involved him getting back on his tractor and collecting items from the shed where the officers were working.

“Mr Greenhill was intending to collect hay and maintains he did not drive directly at the complainers.

“However, he accepts his actions could have caused fear and alarm, hence he pleads guilt to committing a breach of the peace.”

Sheriff Robert McCreadie fined Greenhill £450.