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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 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. | |
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". | |
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. |