BBC

'Prodigy' case farmer cleared

• 27th February 2003

A farmer has been cleared of brandishing a shotgun in front of two members of the dance band The Prodigy after the prosecution offered no evidence against him.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard musicians Keith Flint, 33, and Liam Howlett, 31, had been at Great Dunmow in Essex in April last year when there was an incident involving John Kirby.

Mark Harris, defending, said that Mr Flint had made a statement that he did not want the case pursued, and Mr Howlett had agreed.

Mr Kirby, 62, who pleaded not guilty to possessing a 16-bore shotgun with intent to cause fear of violence, was bound over to keep the peace for six months in the sum of £500.

Recorder John Akast entered a formal verdict of not guilty.

The court heard Mr Howlett owns a house next to land farmed by Mr Kirby.

John Butcher, prosecuting, said the allegation had stemmed from an incident in which Mr Kirby had brandished a shotgun, allegedly frightening Mr Howlett and Mr Flint.

He had admitted in a police interview that his gun had been loaded and that his actions had been "singularly inappropriate".

Mr Butcher said no evidence was being offered against Mr Kirby.

The court was told his shotguns had been confiscated.

Mr Harris said Mr Kirby had acknowledged that "his own behaviour might not have measured up to his own very high standards".

Neither Mr Flint nor Mr Howlett was in court.

Speaking after the hearing, Peter Binning, representing the pop stars, said they were "very pleased because the right decision has been made".

"There is no doubt they can live peacefully now with their neighbour."

Mr Kirby said afterwards he hoped to meet the two men again in better circumstances.

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