The discovery of a deceased convicted sex offender’s mummified body in a caravan, six months after a police manhunt ensued following his partner’s death, was revealed in an inquest.
Richard Scatchard, aged 71, went missing subsequent to the death of his partner, Kelly Faiers, 61, at their residence in Minehead, Somerset, in October 2023. An inquest disclosed that Scatchard coerced Faiers into consuming a lethal combination of sleeping pills and alcohol, resulting in her unlawful killing.
Scatchard, previously convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting women from 1986 to 2000, was on life license. The last known sighting of him was in Watchet, Somerset, a day after Faiers’ demise. Despite extensive efforts, Avon and Somerset Police failed to locate Scatchard following October 2023, until his body was found at a Watchet campsite during caravan removal from winter storage.
Investigators noted that Scatchard, though in good health with no medical issues, was identified through fingerprints and observed wearing a wristwatch set to British Summer Time. The condition of his mummified body suggested a pre-March 31, 2024 demise, indicating that he likely passed away before the time change.
No connections to the campsite were established, and it remains unclear how Scatchard reached there. Pathologist Dr. Deborah Cook’s examination of his decomposed body revealed no apparent natural cause of death but noted rib fractures that could have caused chest pain. Toxicology results indicated alcohol and sleeping tablet compounds. However, due to decomposition, the cause of death was inconclusive.
Scatchard concealed his relationship with Faiers from probation officers, breaching terms that could have led to re-imprisonment. Probation officers considered him a medium risk due to his confrontational behavior. The coroner recorded an open conclusion on Scatchard’s demise, citing insufficient evidence on the circumstances of his death.
