A 37-year-old man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of an award-winning young farmer in Derbyshire, more than two years after the incident shocked the local farming community in the United Kingdom.
According to a BBC report, the body of 23-year-old Charles Kinston was discovered in a field off Brizlincote Lane in Bretby, near Swadlincote, on January 29, 2024. Police said officers were called to the location at approximately 6:30 PM GMT, where Kinston was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Accused Charged with Manslaughter
Derbyshire Police confirmed that Joseph Simpkins, 37, of Brizlincote Lane, Bretby, has been charged with manslaughter, possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, and possessing prohibited ammunition.
Authorities stated that Simpkins has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on June 15.
Young Farmer Was Recognised for Innovation
Kinston was widely known in farming circles for his creativity and engineering skills. Farmers Weekly magazine had earlier described him as a “talented amateur inventor”. In 2020, he secured third place in the publication’s inventions competition after modifying a Land Rover Discovery into an off-road milk float designed for calf-feeding rounds.
Farming Community Mourned His Death
Following his death in February 2024, the Leicestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs described Kinston as a “much-loved, kind and generous character”. A spokesperson said he had been associated with Netherseal Young Farmers’ Club for more than 12 years and was known for his cheerful personality.
“He was a much-loved, kind and generous character who knew how to make everyone laugh,” the spokesperson said at the time, adding that his loss would be “difficult to come to terms with”.
