A FARM helper who was knocked to the floor by a herd of onrushing cows and then trampled on died later in hospital, an inquest heard.

Leeds Coroners Court heard that farmhand Ian Brown, 57, of Moorland Crescent, Guiseley died in Leeds General Infirmary on July 18. He had been admitted to the hospital two weeks earlier after being trampled by a cow near Bramhope.

Coroner's officer Richard Musgrove said that Mr Brown had spent most of his life as a farmhand or farmer and in early July had joined a farm in Yeadon as a relief manager.

On July 9, Mr Brown and another farm worker went to some farmland at Bramhope to feed the cattle on that land.

Mr Musgrove said: "They were both loading the hopper with food when cattle approached robustly and knocked Mr Brown off his feet. Then one of the herd trampled on him."

The other farm worker fended the cattle off and went back to the farmhouse with Mr Brown, who originally felt that his injuries were not too serious and did not want any medical attention.

But his condition deteriorated and he was later taken to the accident and emergency department at Leeds General Infirmary where he was diagnosed with cuts and bruises and a broken rib. He later developed respiratory problems and despite the best efforts of the hospital, he died on July 18.

A post mortem revealed he had died from bronchia pneumonia and septicaemia with hypertensive heart disease a contributive factor.

Coroner John Brodwell issued a cremation certificate and adjourned the inquest to a future date for a full and detailed investigation to be carried out.

l Tony Bowey, Leeds secretary of the National Farmers Union, said it was rare but not unheard of for cattle to act in such a way. He said they were not naturally aggressive but could have been keen to get to their feed. Cattle with calves can also act protectively if they fear their calves are in danger.