Farmer killed father then himself after farm row, inquest told

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 17:51 · Archive

A Nottinghamshire farmer killed his father before taking his own life after a dispute over the farm.

Charles Wright, 52, killed his 82-year-old father Brian at Hall Farm near Newark in Nottinghamshire after a dispute over the farm's finances and future. Brian was reported missing on 20 November after failing to take his wife to a hospital appointment. His body was found five days later in a shallow grave on the family land. Charles took his own life two days after killing his father.

An inquest at Nottingham Coroner's Court heard that in a voice message sent to police on 22 November, Charles admitted to the killing. He described seeing a 'flash of red' when his father criticised him, saying: 'I just saw red, dragged him out of the car and throttled him.' The inquest heard that during their row, Brian had called Charles 'useless' and 'not capable of farming', and had suggested giving the farm's lion's share to another family member.

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow told the court that the message showed Charles had described his father criticising him and disagreeing about finances. The inquest ruled Brian's death an unlawful killing and found that Charles had killed himself. Police said family disagreements were known to them, and a firearms licence had previously been withdrawn due to concerns about tensions within the family.

How it is being reported

• Farmer killed father after 'blazing row', left chilling voice note and then took own lifeCharles Wright saw a 'flash of red' and put his father's body in a shallow graveNottinghamshire Live · 30 Oct, 17:32
• Farmer killed dad then himself after row, inquest toldCharles Wright left a voice note admitting causing his father Brian's death, an inquest was told.BBC Nottingham · 30 Oct, 16:55

In this story: Charles Wright · Brian Wright · Hall Farm · Newark · Nottinghamshire · Nottingham Coroner's Court · Nottinghamshire Police

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