Richard Haddock Obituary, What Happened To Richard Haddock?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jul 05, 2023
Richard Haddock Obituary
Devastating news struck the farming community as Richard Anthony Haddock, a well-regarded farmer, champion of farmer's rights, and former town councillor, tragically passed away at his farm shop in Dartmouth Road, Brixham. The inquest revealed that Mr. Haddock, born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and residing at Devon Hills Holiday Village in Totnes Road, Paignton, succumbed to a fatal shotgun injury to the head while at work.
The incident occurred just days after his appearance in court on June 23, where he pleaded guilty to six offences involving the illegal disposal of waste at Churston Court Farm, in a case prosecuted by the Environment Agency.
The police, responding to concerns for his welfare, discovered Mr. Haddock in the Churston Ferrers area on Sunday, June 25. Despite the prompt response of ambulance crews, he couldn't be saved.
Richard Haddock left an indelible mark on the agricultural industry, serving in prominent positions within the NFU, including county chair in 1999 and South West regional board chair in 2006/7. He was also known for his contributions as chair of the regional livestock board and NFU national livestock board chair in the early 2000s.
As he chaired Brixham Town Council until May of this year and held a position as a Conservative and senior councillor on Torbay Council until 2019, Mr. Haddock's dedication to his community was evident. His passing is deeply mourned by the town council, and heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Caroline, and all his family and friends during this difficult time.
What Happened To Richard Haddock?
Tragic news shook the Devon farming community as we lost Richard Haddock, a renowned farming figure, due to a shotgun wound. The inquest, conducted at Plymouth Coroner's Court on June 29, investigated the circumstances surrounding his passing at Churston Farm Shop in Brixham on June 25.
Assistant coroner Louise Wiltshire presided over the hearing, sharing details about Mr. Haddock's life. Born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, he resided at Moonshadow Rise in the Devon Hills Holiday Village, Paignton. At the time of his passing, he was a retired farmer and happily married.
Mrs. Wiltshire confirmed that, based on the current medical evidence, the cause of death was attributed to a shotgun injury to the head, with no suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Just days before his passing, on June 23, Mr. Haddock faced a case at Exeter Crown Court prosecuted by the Environment Agency. He pleaded guilty to six offences, involving the improper disposal of waste at Churston Court Farm.
The police were called to the Churston Ferrers area on Sunday, June 25, following concerns for Mr. Haddock's welfare. Ambulance crews promptly arrived at the scene, but sadly, they couldn't save him.
Richard Haddock was widely known and respected in the South West for his advocacy work on behalf of farmers and growers. He held prominent positions within the NFU, including county chair and South West regional board chair. His dedication to the industry made a lasting impact, and the NFU, along with its members, expressed heartfelt condolences to his wife Caroline, and all his loved ones during this difficult time.
Additionally, Mr. Haddock's involvement in the community extended beyond farming, as he served as chair of Brixham Town Council and as a Conservative and senior councilor on Torbay Council until 2019. He was a familiar face in the Brixham area, where he established Churston Farm Shop.
Brixham Town Council released a statement expressing profound sadness at the loss of their former councilor, highlighting Richard's passion and commitment to the town. During the inquest, Mrs. Wiltshire detailed the circumstances of Mr. Haddock's passing, noting that he was at work, performing his duties when the tragic incident occurred.
Who received tributes for former councillor and farmer Richard Haddock?
The South Devon councils are mourning the loss of Richard Haddock, a former councilor and farmer, who passed away at the age of 66. In tribute to his memory, flags will be lowered to half-mast in Torbay, as a mark of respect.
Mr. Haddock was deeply connected to the land in the Churston and Brixham region, where he passionately served on both Brixham Town Council and Torbay Council. His dedication to the community was unwavering, making him a cherished figure among his colleagues and friends.
Tragically, Mr. Haddock's body was discovered at his beloved Churston Farm Shop on Sunday, leaving the community heartbroken. Councils have reached out to express their condolences to his grieving family and friends, recognizing the immense impact he had on their lives.
During his tenure, Mr. Haddock proved himself as a true champion for Brixham and the town council. His unwavering dedication and passion for his work were evident in everything he did. Torbay Council, where he served from 2015 to 2019, also paid their respects by lowering flags at the Town Hall in Torquay until sunset on the day of his funeral.
Beyond his local involvement, Mr. Haddock made significant contributions to the National Farmers Union (NFU), earning recognition and admiration throughout the industry for his tireless campaigning on behalf of farmers and growers. Union president Minette Batters fondly remembered him as a familiar face in the South West and a powerful advocate for their cause.
Amid the tragic circumstances, the police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a coroner's file is being prepared. In a sad turn of events, Mr. Haddock had recently admitted to six offenses involving the illegal disposal of waste, as brought by the Environment Agency, during a hearing at Exeter Crown Court. The loss of Richard Haddock has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Richard Haddock Obituary - FAQs
Richard Haddock was a well-regarded farmer, former town councillor, and champion of farmer's rights in south Devon.
Richard Haddock died from a fatal shotgun wound at his Churston Farm Shop.
The inquest into Richard Haddock's death was held at Plymouth Coroner's Court on June 29.
Louise Wiltshire confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances and stated that the cause of death was a shotgun injury to the head.
On June 23, Richard Haddock appeared at Exeter Crown Court and pleaded guilty to six offences involving the illegal disposal of waste, prosecuted by the Environment Agency.