TWO local farmers denied attacking a climber attempting to gain access to the closed-off Vixen Tor, when they appeared before Plymouth magistrates last Thursday. Thirty-one-year-old Robert Alford, of Sortridge, Yelverton pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, and Ellen Mary Alford, of Moortown, Tavistock, pleaded not guilty to common assault. The offences were alleged to have taken place on September 12. Both defendants were granted unconditional bail until the next hearing. Mr Alford opted for a trial before a jury at Plymouth Crown Court. Chartered surveyor Francis Yeo, also of Moortown, denied a charge of criminal damage for allegedly cutting the climber?s ropes.
