Samuel Dickinson

I am Michael James Pemberton, HM Area Coroner for the coroner area of Manchester (West).

On 16 September 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Samuel John  DICKINSON aged 39. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 10 February 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was Suicide, and the medical cause of death was 1a Severe head injury

On 15 September 2025 the deceased who was a farmer and held both a firearms and shotgun licence, was found with a shotgun wound to the head in a shed at the farm where he resided with his family. He had left the house earlier that morning and his family called police concerned, when they found that a shotgun was missing from the gun cabinet where it was  stored. A member of the family discovered the deceased in an outbuilding on the farm after a brief search.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the  circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern)

1. During the course of evidence it was reflected that Firearms Legislation relating to the holding of a shotgun or firearms licence (or both) contains no provision that a person  holding a certificate must self report any illness or mental health condition which may give rise to a change in circumstances from the time when a grant of licence has been made, differing from obligations for example on a person holding a driving  licence to do so.
2. Further it was stated that there is no obligation or provision requiring a General Practitioner practice to:

a.   Clearly record the holding of a licence on medical records when advised of the grant, in order to assist with flagging any relevant issues that may need reporting (such as conditions listed on an initial firearms/shotgun application form or renewal) b.   Requiring the reporting of such issues on a reasonable basis to a firearms licence unit of a local police force

1. The above were described as ‘gaps’ in the legislation which may give rise to the risk of future death.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.