THE widow of a former top police officer who was found hanged at his home after they separated has paid tribute to him, saying he was a funny, kind and warm man who adored their daughter.
Paul Broadbent, 54, was found at his home on Tor Close, Monk Bretton on December 27.
He was chief executive of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), the UK’s antislavery agency, and had also worked at Nottinghamshire Police and South Yorkshire Police.
At an inquest on Tuesday, coroner Chris Dorries concluded Mr Broadbent had taken his own life.
Though he had separated from his wife Fiona, she said he was an infectious character and spoke highly of his work to keep people safe over the last 30 years.
In a statement issued after the inquest, Mrs Broadbent said: “Our lives changed forever on December 27. I am left with a deep sense of loss and sadness which will never, ever go away. Paul was a father, son, husband, brother, cousin, friend and colleague. He touched the lives of so many people who couldn’t help fall for his charm, his wit, his infectious character. You couldn’t help but like Paul. He was funny, kind, warm, friendly.
“Those who knew him professionally saw all of these qualities alongside an appetite to serve the public, to right injustice.
“I will forever be proud of the contribution Paul made to keeping people safe during his 30 years as a police officer and as head of the GLAA tackling labour exploitation.
“Paul was a family man, a father who adored and doted on his daughter and was never happier than when spending time with us.
“The last three months have been immensely difficult attempting to come to terms with the terrible circumstances of his death and having to learn to cope with the pain of knowing we will never be able to tell him just how much he was loved. My priority now is to give our daughter the love and support she needs to come to terms with the loss of her father. I will also help her understand just how much he meant to other people and the valuable work that he did, helping so many. I have found real comfort in the hundreds of messages of support from Paul’s friends and colleagues and on behalf of all family members, we thank you.”
The inquest was told the couple had remained close after separating last year, though the relationship had become ‘a little more difficult’.
In her police statement, Mrs Broadbent said her husband had seemed fine and had been in touch with friends he had not seen for a while. She said Mr Broadbent had delivered a letter to her just before Christmas which she said seemed like a suicide note. But after asking mutual friends in that field for help, was told he was not suicidal.
She said they spent Christmas together and there were no arguments. But she became worried about the lack of contact which she said was out of character.
Her father, Keith Shipley, found her husband when he went to check on him. She said Mr Broadbent had told her he had been prescribed antidepressants 18 months ago.
A post mortem confirmed the cause of death was by hanging, and police were satisfied there was no suspicious circumstances.
Mr Dorries said four letters were found addressed to members of the family.
A spokesman for the GLAA said: “The profound shock so many of us still feel for Paul’s sudden and tragic loss is mirrored only by a deep sense of sadness and bewilderment at the circumstances of his death. To us, he will always be the charismatic leader who epitomised everything we stand for at the GLAA.
“Today, we remain as determined and focused as ever on ensuring Paul’s legacy is built upon by making the GLAA a highly renowned and respected law enforcement and compliance agency, dedicated to protecting vulnerable and exploited workers.”
