A man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a man on a farm near Blandford.

At 8:25pm on Friday, September 28, 2018, Dorset Police received a report that a 25-year-old man had sustained serious injuries following an incident at Hanford Farm.

The man – who was named by detectives as 25-year-old Marcin Tameczka, a Polish national who was living locally – was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Matthew James Cradock, aged 26 and of Shaftesbury, was arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail. He was charged with murder and appeared at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday (February 8, 2019).

Cradock is next due to appear before Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, February 12.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Dixey, of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “Following a thorough investigation and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, a charge of murder has been authorised.

“Family liaison officers have updated Marcin’s family and will continue to provide support.

“It is also important to stress that – as is typical in such circumstances – it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the court process. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.”

A 27-year-old Shaftesbury man who was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident was subsequently released from under investigation and faces no further police action.

Editor’s note: Following a nine-day trial at Winchester Crown Court in August 2019, Cradock was found not guilty.