Police say a body found in a caravan is that of a sex offender wanted over a woman’s murder.
Richard Scatchard, 70, from Minehead in Somerset, went missing after the death of 61-year-old Kelly Faiers at his home in October last year.
A member of the public called police after finding a man’s body inside a caravan near Cleeve Hill in Watchet, Somerset, on Thursday.
In a statement on Saturday, Avon and Somerset said the body has been confirmed to be Scatchard’s, following a post-mortem examination.
Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins said: “Both Kelly’s family and Richard Scatchard’s family were notified after the body was found earlier this week. We have now informed both families that the body recovered has been confirmed as Scatchard.
“While it is apparent Scatchard died some time ago, the forensic post-mortem examination proved inconclusive in determining the cause of death. Therefore, as is routine in such cases, we continue to treat the death as unexplained, albeit we are not aware at this time of there being any suspicious circumstances.
“Enquiries will continue and a file produced for the coroner.”
Richard Scatchard was a convicted sex offender. Pic: Avon and Somerset Police
Police had previously warned Scatchard posed a serious risk to women, particularly those he formed relationships with.
He was convicted of sexual offences in which he drugged his victims to abuse them.
Avon and Somerset Police said he was wanted on recall to prison, as well as in connection with the murder investigation into Ms Faiers’ death.
In December, the family of Ms Faiers made a complaint about the police response to her death to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The force voluntarily referred the complaint to the IOPC on 4 January.
This is because Avon and Somerset Police spoke to Scatchard at the scene of Ms Faiers’ death shortly before he disappeared.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm our investigation into Avon and Somerset Police’s response to the death of Kelly Faiers is ongoing.
“It follows a complaint referral from the force in January this year.”
On 14 October, Scatchard and Ms Faiers went out together for the evening. He called an ambulance at 4.15am, saying Ms Faiers was critically ill.
She was pronounced dead by paramedics.
Police also attended and spoke to Scatchard, but when they returned on 16 October, he had disappeared .