Exeter court reporter Edward Davenport writes for this title.

A former High Sheriff of Devon has been found dead at home with a shotgun wound.

An inquest has been opened into the death of 64-year-old Richard Youngman at his home in East Village near Crediton, Devon.

The senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney said the married corporate financier was found by a friend with a gunshot wound to the head last month.

Mr Youngman, who was High Sheriff between 2022 and 2023, stated at the time he was sworn in that he was a former corporate adviser and a Red Ruby Devon cattle breeder, winning two prizes at the Devon County Show..

Mr Spinney told the Exeter inquest that police were called to his home on July 10 and found him dead with a gunshot wound to his head. 

There were no suspicious circumstances and a full inquest will be held at a later date.

Speaking at the time he was appointed as High Sheriff, Mr Youngman said: “I am honoured to be taking on this ancient role and looking forward to thanking and supporting Devon’s agencies of law and order, emergency services and associated voluntary bodies, all of whom do such important work in our communities, as they recover from a couple of tough years."