11/01/2011 - Farmer, 84, crushed by tractor
A farmer died as a result of injuries from being run over by his own tractor nearly three years ago, a fatal accident inquiry has concluded.
Charles Meldrum, 84, was feeding his cattle while stood on a trailer attached to the tractor, which he had left running in a low gear, when he fell and the machine drove over him, fracturing his pelvis.
He was taken to Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin but died three hours later, Elgin Sheriff Court heard.
Michael Munro, 62, a "close friend" and work colleague told the court it was common for farmers to leave their tractors to effectively drive themselves while they fed their cattle.
Mr Meldrum was found after another farmer, Ronald Shepherd, came to attend his herd of Highland Cattle in an adjacent field.
The 69-year-old said he knew something "did not ring true" when he saw the tractor driving around Mr Meldrum's field without a driver and towing an empty trailer.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
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