Date set for inquest into 2002 murder of farmer

An inquest is to be held into the death of a Cornish farmer ten years after his battered body was found at his home.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry after Les Bate was found with head injuries and broken ribs at his home at Tregilders Farm, near St Kew Highway, on April 14, 2002.

No-one has ever been charged with the 71-year-old's death.

Now a two-day inquest in Truro will begin on June 18 to try to shed light on how Mr Bate died. The Cornwall Coroner's Office said the reason for the long delay was because there had been a substantial number of reports to be examined.

Detectives said they believed the murderer lived locally and that one or more people in the area might have vital information which could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

The investigation has included more than 1,000 statements and 2,000 inquiries, but achieved few results, despite a £10,000 reward.

Mr Bate was last seen alive at the Maltster's Arms in Chapel Amble, showing off a large amount of money. His wallet, thought to have contained up to £1,000 in cash and a cheque for £11,000, has never been found.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Perkin, head of the major crime unit at Devon and Cornwall Police, said this week detectives would continue in their quest to find Mr Bate's killer. "No [unsolved] murder investigation is ever closed," he said.