AN inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a businessman following a shooting incident.
Edward Noddings, the owner of a slaughterers firm at Charltons, near Guisborough, east Cleveland, was found dead at the offices of JE Noddings and Son, on Tuesday, Teesside Coroner's Court was told.
The 54-year-old was at the centre of a row over an animal incinerator on his land.
A spokesman for Cleveland Police confirmed on Wednesday that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Mr Noddings' son, Darren, 33, of The Lane, Sedgefield, County Durham, said he had identified his father's body at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.
Four months ago, Mr Noddings won a protracted battle to create a large animal incinerator on his land. The plan divided the Charltons community of 500 people for more than 18 months.
He told The Northern Echo in September how the dispute had been very difficult for him, his 53-year-old wife, Jean, and their son.
The inquest was adjourned.
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