Tributes to Briton killed in Charente shooting

A friend has paid tribute to David Daniels, the retired British businessman shot dead outside his home in Charente this week.

An 84-year-old man has been charged with murder over the death, which shocked the village of Edon, south Charente.

James Wannell, 67, who had known Mr Daniels, 72, for several years, said: “He was Anglo-American and very well appreciated in the local village, especially for the work he had done in restoring his property, and garnered some genuine affection and respect from local people.

“He was a part of the fabric of people who stand out a bit in the country from the international community and wasn’t one of those aloof Parisian or aloof Londoners who are totally disinterested in local life.”

Edon mayor Patrice Petit told reporters Mr Daniels was very interested in area heritage and “loved classic cars and especially his Rolls-Royce. He raced each year at the Circuit des Remparts in Angoulême”.

Mr Daniels had been involved in franchising windscreen repairs in France and had previously had business interests in Russia. He and his wife Gaye split their time between London and France until three years ago.

He entered the Circuit des Remparts event each year, with a Riley and, last year, an Austin Healey.

Two men were arrested in connection with the death of Mr Daniels, who bought his property about 20 years ago. They were his tenant farmer Pascal Moreau, 48, and his father, Jean Moreau, who had previously been tenant on the same land.

Mr Moreau, sen, has now been charged with ambush and murder.

Prosecutor, Jean-David Cavaillé in Angoulême said at a press conference there may have been a dispute over the property.