Farmer who feared going to jail shot himself as concerns over guns raised

A BRIXHAM farmer and councillor shot himself while waiting to be sentenced following a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing for allowing waste to be dumped illegally on his land.

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Richard Haddock, 66, died at his farm in June 2023 eight months after his licensed firearms were returned to him, an inquest heard. His weapons were seized by police in 2021 following concerns raised by a friend, reports the BBC.

On Monday Exeter Coroner's Court heard Mr Haddock shot himself two days after admitting six charges of contravening Environment Agency (EA) permits between 2010 and 2020.

His wife, Caroline, said Mr Haddock feared going to jail.

Police said they were not aware of that investigation, which could have affected returning the weapons in 2022.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, coroner Alison Longhorn said she would write a Prevention of Future Deaths report to police as she believed risks remained.