A well-regarded farmer, champion of farmer's rights and former town councillor died following a tragic incident at the farm shop he established.
The inquest into the death of Richard Haddock was held at Plymouth Coroner's Court on June 29 following his passing at Churston Farm Shop in Dartmouth Road, Brixham on June 25.
The hearing, held by assistant coroner Louise Wiltshire, noted that Mr Haddock was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire and resided in the Totnes Road area of Paignton. She noted that he was married at the time of his passing and a retired farmer by occupation.
During the short hearing, Mrs Wiltshire noted the circumstances surrounding Mr Haddock's death. She stated: "Richard was at his place of work and went upstairs to undertake some work.
"A short while later members of staff at that location heard a loud noise and went upstairs to investigate, Sadly they found that Richard had passed away."
Mrs Wiltshire confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances and on the present medical evidence the cause of death was ascertained as a shotgun injury to the head.
On June 23 Mr Haddock appeared at Exeter Crown Court in a case prosecuted by the Environment Agency. He pleaded guilty to six offences; four of failing to comply with or contravening a permit and two of operating a regulated facility at Churston Court Farm otherwise than in accordance with a permit. It was a case involving the illegal disposal of waste.
Police confirmed that they were called to the Churston Ferrers area at around midday on Sunday June 25. They told DevonLive they were called following reports of concerns for the welfare of the man in the area. Ambulance crews were also sent to the scene, where they found Mr Haddock.
Following his passing NFU president Minette Batters said: "Richard was well known to many of us in the South West and throughout the industry for his campaigning work on behalf of farmers and growers. He served in a number of high-profile NFU positions including county chair in 1999, and South West regional board chair in 2006/7. He was also chair of the regional livestock board and NFU national livestock board chair in the early 2000s.
"On behalf of the NFU and its members, I offer our condolences to Richard’s wife Caroline and all his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Mr Haddock, 66, was chair of Brixham Town Council until May of this year and served on Torbay Council as a Conservative and senior councillor until 2019. He farmed in the Brixham area and established Churston Farm Shop.
A statement released by Brixham Town Council said: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of our former councillor, Richard Haddock. Richard was a town councillor from 2019 to 2023 and ended his term of office as the council chairperson.
"He was a great champion for Brixham and the town council and was passionate in everything he did. Richard will be sorely missed by everyone at Brixham Town Council, and our deepest sympathies go to his wife and family at this difficult time."
Shatter the Silence
The DevonLive Shatter the Silence campaign aims to encourage anyone struggling to reach out and talk - to either a friend, relative, charity or a professional. Our campaign content will highlight just how important talking is and the difference it can make.
Ultimately, we want to reduce the number of people who die by suicide in Devon. We will highlight where to get help and show how talking has helped people come through difficult times in their lives. We will speak to families who have lost loved ones to look at the lasting impact of suicide and attempt to dismiss the inaccurate belief many people who are struggling manifest that they are a burden on the ones they love. We will look at the devastation caused to those left behind in the hope that even one reader might change their mind if they have considered taking their own life.
We will speak to people who have survived a suicide attempt and have accessed counselling or other mental health services to show that things can get better. We will speak to Samaritans volunteers about their vital work in Devon and how they are on hand 24-7 to listen. And we will offer guidance on what to say to someone who is struggling so people feel more confident to have that conversation.
Do you have a relevant story to share? Email emma.slee@reachplc.com.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
SAMARITANS offers support in a range of ways, including a self-help app, email support or by calling 116 123 for free 24 hours a day
NHS Offers advice on how to access mental health support
TALKWORKS is a free-to-access NHS service offering a variety of treatment and support for adults (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth)
CALM offer a free, confidential helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life's problems
HUB OF HOPE is a mental health support database that can signpost you to local support services
ANDY'S MAN CLUB offers men a chance to talk with like-minded people. They have clubs in Devon as well as nationally
KOOTH & QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing support, including moderated peer support forums and text-based counselling, to all residents living in Devon (aged 11+)
PETE'S DRAGONS provide free-to-access support to all residents living in Devon who may have been bereaved by suicide at any point in their lives
THE MOORINGS is an emotional support service that provides telephone and face-to-face support via a drop-in service at its bases in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay. It is a non-clinical service but provides emotional support, signposting to other services and other general support that is tailored to the people who access it.
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