Farmer shot himself after guns returned - inquest

A conclusion of suicide was recorded at the inquest into the death of Richard Haddock

There were "missed opportunities" when a farmer shot himself eight months after lawfully-held firearms were returned to him, an inquest has heard.

Richard Haddock, 66, died at his Devon farm in June 2023 after his guns were seized by police in 2021 following concerns raised by a friend.

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

The inquest heard Mr Haddock was waiting to be sentenced at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing over the offences carried out between 2010 and 2020, and his wife Caroline Haddock said he feared going to jail.

Ms Longhorn said there were "missed opportunities" by Devon and Cornwall Police's firearms licensing department to assess his suitability to have the guns which could have been kept away from him.

She said the police were "completely ignorant of the fact" that the EA was prosecuting Mr Haddock, even though the information had been shared by the agency.

Ms Longhorn said there was also an "absence of more robust processes" by Devon and Cornwall Police to see it and act on it.

She said: "Whatever the reason, the firearms licensing department were not aware of the prosecution.

"I find it likely that had the department been in possession of all the facts a week before his death, it is likely a review of his case would have taken place and the guns seized."

The inquest heard Mr Haddock was depressed, was having "good days and bad days" and that his wife was scared he would use them on her or himself.

Police said his guns had been removed because there were concerns about his low mood and because of a series of highly stressful issues in his life.

The coroner was told Mr Haddock and his wife had repeatedly asked the police to return the guns, which, after a delay, happened in November 2022.

The weapons were handed back but police were unaware Mr Haddock was being prosecuted by the EA over a long-running investigation, she was also told.

Insp Mitch Wallace, a firearms licensing manager, said her department was never sent or never filed the information about the criminal proceedings.

She said: "If we had been made aware, it may have impacted the decision to return the guns."

Death 'completely unnecessary'

Mrs Haddock said "he thought the EA were making an example of him" and he felt it was "deeply unfair" that the EA were pursuing the "small guys", the inquest heard.

EA area director Mark Rice told the inquest that Mr Haddock had admitted at Exeter Crown Court allowing waste to be deposited on his land for "financial gain".

He added that the agency was not aware he was a firearms holder and there was no perceived threat to staff.

After the inquest's conclusion, Mrs Haddock said his death was "completely unnecessary" and she hoped other lives would be saved in the future.