The publication of the inquest into the death of David Breacker on the front page prompted a big reaction from our readers as can be seen by the selection of letters and emails we received on the subject published below.

Mr Breacker was a former mayor of Falmouth and because of the shocking circumstances of his death, it was decided it should be used on the front.

Any inquest can be difficult to report as a lot of unpalatable details can come out and, by their very nature, they are bound to upset and shock.

But I apologise for any upset the headline may have caused to some of our readers.

Paul Armstrong,
Editor

 

IT was with utter disbelief that I read the details of the sad and squalid death of Mr David Breacker. Is there no longer to be the slightest respect regarding death? We're all going to die. A very good percentage of those deaths are going to be sordid, squalid, lonely, pathetic, embarrassing, public and traumatic. Death rarely comes gently upon us during sleep, regrettably. One of the most basic human rights we should have is privacy in the face of death. The press, above all, should recognise this. The press should not be allowed to attend an inquest if so little thought is given to the way in which it uses the information gleaned.

If this is headline news within Falmouth then shame on us all? Where the last days of a sad, lonely, alcoholic, and medically sick man are given in all their sordid detail, we have gone very, very badly wrong. He had no one to protect him, no friend, no family member to tell you to please show some respect. What's more he was, for a period of his life a public servant who was an elected mayor of the town. Surely, this fact alone should give his sad end greater reason for privacy.

We are all much the poorer for this type of ugly tittle-tattle and I hope never to see it again.

Jane Pascoe (sent by email)

 

PLEASE allow me to comment on your front page story of Wednesday, July 9 issue of the Packet.

I fail to understand why you made the circumstances surrounding the death of this unfortunate sick man front page news, when there are so many more deserving stories contained within the paper. This person had served his community as Mayor for two years, yet you chose to create a drama, in graphic detail, out of his inability to cope with life which ended in miserable circumstances. David was a gentle man, who sadly became addicted to alcohol, a disease which is exceptionally hard to contend with. He was intractable with alcohol in his system, but a charming man when sober. Attempting to help someone suffering from alcoholism is often a thankless, fruitless task.

Would it not have been more considerate to write a concise piece concentrating on the good the man did? I really cannot think why anyone would wish to read about the unsavoury aspects of his death. I felt that the article was disrespectful to his memory.

Also, the two men whose acts of bravery deserved to be given the front page between them and were allotted a few lines and a small picture each on the front page with continuations inside the body of the paper. My opinion is that your priorities were misjudged on this occasion, that you should consider the situation carefully and decide whether this kind of journalism should be presented in The Packet at all.

Wendy Bridges,
Parc Peneglos,
Mylor Bridge

 

HOW very distasteful your front page this week describing in such sordid detail the death of a former mayor of Falmouth. Have you not thought you had no need to speak such ill of the dead.

Although we did not know this gentleman in later years you should realize alcoholics are ill and should be helped and pitied. Do not turn your newspaper into a dirty little rag.

Name and email address supplied

 

I WAS appalled at your incredibly insensitive and degrading headline this morning. I have no knowledge of this man but how on earth was someone allowed to write such a nasty and prurient thing, when all was needed, was a full stop after the word dead? Who allowed this to be published? What a disgrace that a poor man with mental health issues should be so pilloried. If I was a member of his family I would be mortified.

Janet Whitfield (sent by email)

 

I WISH to express my concern at your front page headliner of last week’s issue of the Packet concerning the late David Breacker. Not only was it in poor taste, but also contained confidential information printed by his GP and the Social Care team. Mr Breacker was a well liked and respected gentleman and served the town well in his capacity as mayor for several years.

Alcoholism can affect anyone, as can mental illness/addiction. It could affect any member of a family.

To dwell on the effects of this, for a deceased person, is very poor taste. To have such a sensational headline splashed across the Packet’s front page reflects poorly on standards of journalism and on your paper’s public image.

Mary F Bradley,
Highfield Road,
Falmouth

 

As secretary of the Tregaer Flats Tenants Association, I am writing regarding last week's headlines of the former Mayor of Falmouth, Mr David Breacker.

The TFTA offered Mr Breacker help as it does to all residents at Tregaer, but it was sadly declined.  Residents here are able to enjoy so many activities organised by their Tenants Association, including Sunday lunches, special coach outings, social evenings of music and films as well as general support and advice.

Michael Bradley,
Secretary to Tregaer Flats Tenants Association