A former police chief hailed as ‘a champion for the vulnerable and exploited’ was found hanged at his home, an inquest was told.
Paul Broadbent, 54, could not be revived after paramedics were called to his home in Barnsley on 27 December and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Broadbent was the head of the UK’s anti-slavery agency and his sudden death was described as ‘a shattering tragedy’ by a spokesman for the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
Mr Broadbent – who was married and had a daughter – has been described as ‘charming, warm, funny and generous’
Mr Broadbent has received much posthumous praise for his work to eradicate slavery in the UK
A former District Commander in Sheffield, Mr Broadbent spent most of his police career in South Yorkshire after joining the force in 1985.
He left in 2010 after joining Nottinghamshire Police as an Assistant Chief Constable – acquiring 30 years’ police service before retiring in 2012.
He then joined the GLAA as its chief executive to tackle modern day slavery and exploitation. A spokesman described him as ‘a champion for the vulnerable and exploited’.
He said Mr Broadbent – who was married and had a daughter – was ‘charming, warm, funny and generous’ and his death was described as ‘a shattering tragedy’ for all those knew him.
Mr Broadbent held senior positions for South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire police
Mr Broadbent was a senior detective and headed a number of high profile cases during his time in South Yorkshire – including the fatal stabbing of Sheffield prostitute Michaela Hague in November 2001.
He led an investigation into the shooting of Tareq Chaiboub, 17, who was gunned down in a gangland attack at a barber’s shop in the city in 2008 and was prominent during the policing of 2011 riots in Nottingham, later giving evidence to the Home Affairs Committee which investigated the disorder.
Former police colleagues have expressed their shock at his death and paid tribute to him.
Robert McCann said: ‘I had the pleasure of working with Paul when he was District Commander of Sheffield police.
‘He was a very forward thinking man and some I greatly enjoyed working with.
‘It was Sheffield’s loss when he moved to Nottingham but he left a great legacy.
‘I am deeply saddened by his passing.’
The inquest into Mr Broadbent’s death opened on Tuesday at Sheffield’s Medico-Legal Centre.
It was adjourned for inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death to be carried out – but it is not being treated as suspicious by South Yorkshire Police.
A full hearing is expected to take place in April.
Mr Broadbent worked at Nottinghamshire Police and South Yorkshire Police before taking over at the GLAA.
Crime Minister Victoria Atkins said he was ‘passionate, innovative and determined to tackle labour exploitation and modern slavery’.