And while we must note the heinous circumstances of his death, make no mistake, Hulse's contribution to the news industry was tremendous. He was a freelance reporter working almost exclusively out of the Magistrate's and Supreme Courts. At different times, he collected court news for almost all media houses - including Channel 7, where we worked with Hulse between 2003 and 2005.
But more than just a reporter, he was a character, a true creature of the courts, who always knew not only the story, but the story behind the story. More than that, in his twenty plus years in the courts, he had a sense of the intrigues and the behind the scenes stories of the courts - where he was an institution, much liked for his playful nature and an always open ear. And more than that, after his long years in and out...and all through the corridors of justice, he fashioned himself as a self-styled, perhaps honorary officer of the court. Today, his friend of two decades, now justice of the Supreme Court, Herbert Lord, says he remembers him fondly.
Herbert Lord, Supreme Court Judge
"I said he was a quiet person. He came, he did his work effectively, we knew he was a reporter but he did not intrude; he came at the appropriate time, he got the stories out. I don't think he ever embellished the stories, he wrote them effectively in the years of knowing him. I think he will be remembered for a long time, especially by the persons whose lives he touched in working along with us in the courts, the criminal system as a whole, with the police also, and with you all in the news media who he represented."
Jules Vasquez,
Will he be missed, I know that many times in court judges make important decisions and if there wasn't a vigilant and knowledgeable court reporter who knows where to look everyday for the cases, important or sensational in some cases, cases that weren't reported - in that regard will his knowledge of where to be, in what court room at time, will that be missed?
Herbert Lord,
"I think that will be missed but possibly his good friend Roy Davis may now take up the slack at that point so he may fit in there but definitely this gentleman Richard will be missed."
Funeral services for Hulse have not been announced.
