Farmer Gerald Parker, 64, of Thorncliffe Grange Farm at Emley near Huddersfield, was fined £500 with costs of £958 at Huddersfield magistrates after pleading guilty to two breaches of Health and Safety laws.

He had used a quad bike to carry two employees to a field where cattle had broken out, then lost control of the vehicle, which then toppled upside down into a 12-foot ditch.

None of the riders were wearing safety helmets.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Charlie Callis said on average two people died each year in all-terrain vehicle incidents on farms, with many more seriously injured.

He said the widespread use of quad bikes had led to carelessness.

Mr Callis added: "Head protection is vital.

"More than half of all ATV riders have been thrown off at some time and, as there is no cab or roll bar, your only protection is what you wear."