LEGAL action which could see two Worcestershire farmers jailed for allegedly failing to comply with a host of health and safety regulations has been delayed after one of them failed to appear in court.

The duo face charges relating to an alleged incident when a Worcestershire rambler fell down a slurry pit at their farm and had to be rescued by JCB diggers.

Richard Newell was supposed to appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court yesterday with his father John Peter Newell, who both run a farm, in Grafton Lane, Bromsgrove, to face a string of charges being brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

But Richard Newell failed to make an appearance having being delayed returning to the country from his holiday.

Speaking on his behalf, John Newell, aged 55, told the magistrates: "I'm sorry my son isn't here. He had an 18-hour flight instead of what was meant to be a four-hour flight.

"It was his intention to be here and I promise he will be at the next hearing."

They are accused of contravening section 2.1 and 2.3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the breach and failure to comply with an improvement notice served by the HSE.

John Newell has denied the allegations and his son is yet to make a plea.

The case was adjourned until Friday, January 16, at 10am, when both men are due to appear at the same court.