A 37-year-old man has been charged over the fatal shooting of an award-winning young farmer in Derbyshire, more than two years after the incident shocked the local farming community in Britain.According to a BBC report, the body of 23-year-old Charles Kinston was found in a field off Brizlincote Lane in Broughby, near Swadlincote, on January 29, 2024. Police said officers were called to the scene at around 6.30am GMT, where Kinston was pronounced dead a short time later.
The accused was charged with murder
Derbyshire Police confirmed that Joseph Simpkins, 37, of Brizlincote Lane, Broughby, has been charged with murder, possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and possession of prohibited ammunition.Simpkins has been released on bail and is due to appear before South Derbyshire Magistrates Court on June 15, officials said.
Young farmer honored for innovation
Kinston was widely known in the agricultural world for his creativity and engineering skills. Farmers Weekly magazine previously described him as a “brilliant amateur inventor”.In 2020, he won third place in the publication’s invention competition after modifying a Land Rover Discovery into an off-road milk float designed for calf feeding.
The 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 spokesman said he had been involved with the 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. He also said it would be “difficult” to recoup their losses.