Ho Sanderson shot in freak accident at Eshott Hall home

Mar 12 2009 by Paul James, The Journal

A PROMINENT North businessman is recovering in hospital after shooting himself in the face at his country estate.

Northumberland landowner Ho Sanderson was rushed to hospital after apparently tripping while out in the fields around his Eshott Hall home.

Mr Sanderson, 59, who is still an active farmer, suffered serious facial injuries in the freak accident, but his family are hopeful he will make a full recovery.

The incident happened just hours before Mr Sanderson and wife Margaret were due to appear before magistrates in Bedlington accused of flouting planning laws in relation to their redevelopment of the Hartford Hall Estate. Paramedics were called to Eshott, off the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick, just before 9am on Monday and took Mr Sanderson to hospital in Newcastle, where his condition was last night said to be stable and not life-threatening.

Hugh Fell, managing partner of George F White Estate Agents, speaking on behalf of the family, yesterday said: “There was an accident involving Ho Sanderson on Monday morning.

“Thankfully he is in a stable condition and the family are looking forward to him making a full recovery.

“He was out in the fields and seems to have tripped.”