'Distressed' farmer took his own life after a veterinary inspection

An inquest opening has heard Malcolm Ridley died at Brewery House Farm in the village of Caldbeck on January 27

Chris Brayford
clock • 1 min read
Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for Cumbria, said: "The brief circumstances are that Mr Ridley was a farmer, and he had just undergone a veterinary inspection looking to the state of his stock. He was clearly somewhat distressed by it."
Image:

Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for Cumbria, said: "The brief circumstances are that Mr Ridley was a farmer, and he had just undergone a veterinary inspection looking to the state of his stock. He was clearly somewhat distressed by it."

A farmer from Cumbria was found dead at his home after a veterinary inspection. Malcolm Ridley, 63, died at Brewery House Farm in the village of Caldbeck on January 27, an inquest heard. READ NOW: Machinery...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Rural crime

Fly-tippers 'ruining' Britain's beautiful country roads

Fly-tippers 'ruining' Britain's beautiful country roads

What is being done to protect roads in the countryside from the sorry state of fly-tipping?

Chris Brayford
clock 18 May 2026 • 4 min read
Dogs maul 35 sheep to death and injure 14 more at Suffolk farm

Dogs maul 35 sheep to death and injure 14 more at Suffolk farm

Suffolk Constabulary said Linda Lawrence has been made subject to an indefinite ban on dog ownership as part of her sentence following a livestock worrying incident in the county

Chris Brayford
clock 14 May 2026 • 2 min read
New guideline gives courts more powers to deal with hare coursers

New guideline gives courts more powers to deal with hare coursers

Crack down targets trespass, social media promotion and distress caused to farmers

clock 14 May 2026 • 3 min read