Cows mown down in ‘drought relief centre rampage’
A NSW farmer says he is devastated after his cattle were mown down when he confronted a woman who had allegedly broken into a drought relief centre set up on his farm.
NSW
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A NSW farmer says he is devastated after his cattle were mown down when he confronted a woman who had allegedly broken into a drought relief centre set up on his farm.
Chris Haycock arrived home at his property in Yeoval near Dubbo — used by charity Aussie Helpers to store hay for needy farmers — before allegedly finding Krystal Simmonds trespassing in a Ford Falcon.
Shocked, Mr Haycock confronted the 35-year-old and called police, but she allegedly reversed through a fence, running over multiple cows as she tried to flee the scene.
Disturbing video footage taken by Mr Haycock’s family shows Simmonds allegedly speeding on the property as they helplessly watch on.
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“The cows have been getting handfed, so when they hear a car they think they will get food,” Mr Haycock said
“When you see your stock get run over — it’s bloody terrible — you’re doing your best to keep them alive.”
Police were called in and scoured the area, finding Simmonds’ Falcon on a nearby road later in the night.
But Simmonds allegedly resisted arrest when approached, kicking a senior constable in the leg and foot before being apprehended.
Officers searched her vehicle and allegedly found mobile phones, jewellery, an emergency services medal, methylamphetamine, cash and a pocket knife.
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Simmonds was arrested and taken to Dubbo police station, where she was charged with serious offences including predatory driving and assaulting an officer in execution of duty.
She was refused bail and will appear in court later this month.
Mr Haycock said his farm was set up as a drought relief centre, where farmers doing it tough can pick up hay and other supplies.
“We’re very shocked, it’s hard enough here with the drought,” he said.
“There’s thousands worth of damage to fencing.
“I don’t know how the cows will go now after this.”