Hereford farm worker wins £45,000 after losing fingers in machine

Nov 15 2009 by Adam Aspinall, Sunday Mercury

Dave Bowkett

AN apple picker who lost two fingers in a freak farming accident has won £45,000 in damages from his former boss.

Dad Dave Bowkett, 53, saw the index and middle digits on his left hand severed after they became trapped in faulty machinery.

But the left-hander was made redundant when he tried to return to work five months after his horror accident.

He claims he was also forced out of the rented cottage where he had lived and worked for five years at Manor Farm in Little Dilwyn, Hereford.

Last night, Mr Bowkett spoke out after winning the damages from farm owner Molly Powell in an out of court settlement after she admitted negligence.

He said: “I’ve given two fingers to my old boss in more ways than one, but I’m just glad it’s all behind me now.

“Life is certainly much better and the compensation means the future looks a lot more certain.”

The accident happened in December 2006.