The body of Richard Scatchard, a 70-year-old sex offender wanted in connection with the death of his partner, Kelly Faiers, was found “heavily decomposed” inside a caravan in Somerset, an inquest has heard. Scatchard had been missing for six months before his remains were discovered during the removal of winter storage from the caravan.
Scatchard was sought by police after Faiers, 61, was found dead at his home in Minehead, Somerset, in October 2023. She died from an overdose involving sleeping tablets and alcohol. At the time, Scatchard was on a life licence following convictions for drugging and sexually assaulting women.
Evidence presented at Somerset Coroner’s Court indicated that Scatchard was last seen in Watchet, about 10 miles from Minehead, the day after Faiers’ death. Despite a police manhunt by Avon and Somerset Police, there was no proof he was alive after October 2023.
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His remains were identified through fingerprint analysis when the caravan was cleared in the spring. Detective Constable Mark Evison noted that Scatchard’s wristwatch was still set to British Summer Time from October 2023, suggesting he had died before the clock change at the end of March 2024.
Investigations revealed no known link between Scatchard and the campsite where the caravan was found, nor any clear indication of how he arrived there. Police found no evidence of third-party involvement or suicide.
Post-mortem examination by Dr. Deborah Cook revealed near-total mummification and severe decomposition. No visible injuries or signs of self-harm were detected, though five rib fractures were noted, which likely caused pain but not death. Due to the advanced decomposition, toxicology results were inconclusive, though traces of alcohol and compounds commonly found in sleeping tablets and cold remedies were present.
The cause of death was recorded as “unascertained.” Scatchard had not disclosed his relationship with Faiers to his probation officers, breaching licence conditions. His probation officer described him as medium risk, noting his argumentative and controlling behavior, which warranted continued supervision.
Senior coroner Samantha Marsh concluded the inquest with an open verdict, acknowledging the absence of conclusive evidence on how or when Scatchard died. The date of discovery was used as the official date of death.
Separately, an inquest into Kelly Faiers’ death earlier this week ruled that she had been unlawfully killed.