Clinton Devon Farms Partnership has appeared in court charged with corporate manslaughter in relation to the death of a Sidmouth man four years ago.
Farm worker Kevin Dorman died while driving a tractor at Houghton Farm, near Newton Poppleford on May 19, 2014.
Mr Dorman attended Sidmouth College and played for Sidmouth Town AFC before his death.
Tributes were paid at the time remembering the 25-year-old’s passion for farming and football and friends said that his loyalty, friendship and humour would be sorely missed.
In a hearing at Exeter Magistrates Court on Tuesday, a plea of not guilty was entered on behalf of Clinton Devon Farms Partnership to a charge of corporate manslaughter by way of failing to properly maintain farm machinery.
The partnership also pleaded not guilty to a charge of failure to discharge general health, safety and welfare duty to employee.
At the same time, representatives for George Perrot, 51, also pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and failure to discharge general, health, safety and welfare duty to employee.
The case was referred to Exeter Crown Court for trial on July 17.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here