A  WEST CUMBRIAN farmer shot himself in the chest at his home, an inquest has heard.

Ian Marton Storr, 60, was found dead by his brother-in-law, James Scott, on the afternoon of April 13, 2024.

In a statement submitted to Cockermouth Coroner's Court by Mr Storr's next-door neighbour and friend, Michael Iley. 

Mr Iley said he became worried when he had not seen Mr Storr for 'a few days'.

He said that he would often talk to Mr Storr, who lived in Hayton, near Aspatria, while gardening, and making furniture from wood.

Mr Iley said he initially 'didn’t have any concern as he would normally keep himself to himself'.

He said that he 'saw a change in him' around a year earlier, when Mr Storr, originally from Maryport, lost his job as an electrician, letting his garden become unkempt and stopping his woodwork.

Mr Storr was pronounced dead by paramedics at 4.43pm on April 13.

A statement submitted to the court by Judith Scott said that her brother 'didn't really show any emotion', and was 'a loner'.

She said that he 'loved farming', and took over his parents' farm when his father died when Mr Storr was 15. 

His mother sold the farm when Mr Storr was in his 20s, and Mr Storr went on to undertake contract work for other farms, and also worked as an electrician.

Mrs Scott said that while he 'never showed any interest in forming close relationships', he loved animals, and had border collies for most of his life, and was 'devastated' when his last one died shortly before his death.

She said that he did not drink alcohol and was 'generally healthy', with no known ailments.

Detective Inspector Kathryn Smythe of Cumbria Police said in a statement that she suspected no third-party involvement.

On inspecting the scene, she found a number of outstanding tax return and utility bills.

DI Smythe said that the kitchen table was 'very organised', and pin numbers, mobile phone, cash, and a watch had been laid out carefully.

A letter from Mr Storr's GP showed no major illnesses, and no history of mental health issues.

No alcohol or medication of any kind was found in Mr Storr's system.

Area coroner for Cumbria Kirsty Gomersal gave a conclusion of suicide.

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