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Suicide verdict in PC David Rathband inquest Suicide verdict in PC David Rathband inquest
(35 minutes later)
A policeman shot and blinded by gunman Raoul Moat took his own life, an inquest has found.A policeman shot and blinded by gunman Raoul Moat took his own life, an inquest has found.
PC David Rathband was found hanged in Blyth, in Northumberland, in February 2012, 19 months after being shot as he sat in his patrol car.PC David Rathband was found hanged in Blyth, in Northumberland, in February 2012, 19 months after being shot as he sat in his patrol car.
A hearing in Newcastle heard he had threatened to kill himself after being injured by fugitive Moat in July 2010.A hearing in Newcastle heard he had threatened to kill himself after being injured by fugitive Moat in July 2010.
Coroner Eric Armstrong urged those involved in the 43-year-old's life not to blame themselves.Coroner Eric Armstrong urged those involved in the 43-year-old's life not to blame themselves.
He said: "The circumstances of his injuries are well-known. He said he was "drawn inescapably to the conclusion that David intended to take his own life" and that he did not believe Mr Rathband's actions were a "cry for help" because he had locked his door, leaving the key in the lock.
"It is difficult, if not impossible, not to view the infliction of those injuries as the first step in a series which culminated in his death." He told the inquest that Mr Rathband's colleagues and friends may, "with the benefit of hindsight, form the view that they wish they could have done something else".
Mr Rathband had been living alone since leaving the family home following a domestic dispute in August 2011. However, he said such things should not be dwelled on as they had taken decisions "which at the time seemed appropriate and were justified".
Mr Armstrong added that the officer's "injuries are well-known" and it was "difficult, if not impossible, not to view the infliction of those injuries as the first step in a series which culminated in his death".
Mr Rathband had been living alone at the time of his death, after leaving the family home following a domestic dispute in August 2011.
Giving evidence to the inquest, his wife Kath said the policeman had had affairs, and a relationship with 7/7 London bombing survivor Lisa French effectively ended the marriage.Giving evidence to the inquest, his wife Kath said the policeman had had affairs, and a relationship with 7/7 London bombing survivor Lisa French effectively ended the marriage.