AN inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of conservationist and barrister Stephen Franklin, 57, who was involved in a gun tragedy on North-East farmland last week.
Mr Franklin, a trustee of the Otter Trust, in Norfolk, was killed during a rabbit shoot with a colleague on land owned by the charity near West Newlands Farm, Frosterley, County Durham.
Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle conducted the brief hearing at his office in Crook. Police have said Mr Franklin's death was not suspicious and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating.
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