woman but was acquitted after trial. At the High Court in London in February 2003, Richards was declared bankrupt with debts estimated at more than £300,000, which he linked to alcoholism. It was reported on 17 April 2008 that Richards had been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on a Conservative party worker. He was later released after receiving a caution from police. Richards became angry when the councillor, who was canvassing door-to-door, told him he hadn't been sent promotional literature as he was already listed as a prominent party member. When later asked about the incident, Richards said that he gave the young councillor, who was "half his age and twice his size", a "clip around the ear" for "being cheeky". He attributed the incident to lack of sleep. He died of cancer on 13 July 2019 at the age of 72. References Offices held 1947 births 2019 deaths Leaders of political parties in Wales Conservative Party members of the Senedd Independent members of the Senedd Conservative Party (UK) MPs for Welsh constituencies People from Llanelli UK MPs 1992–1997 Wales AMs 1999–2003 People educated at Llandovery College Alumni of Swansea University Royal Marines officers Alumni of Aberystwyth University UK Independence Party politicians Welsh-speaking politicians Deaths from cancer in Wales