Inquest hears that Deputy Chief Constable viewed suicide websites (From Swindon Advertiser)

Inquest hears that Deputy Chief Constable viewed suicide websites

4:43pm Tuesday 12th June 2012 in News

WILTSHIRE Deputy Chief Constable David Ainsworth looked at suicide websites in the run up to his death, an inquest heard this afternoon.

Det Spt Alex Drummond from Gloucestershire Police investigated Mr Ainsworth’s death on behalf of Wiltshire Coroner David Ridley.

Det Spt Drummond told the inquest at Trowbridge Town Hall that examination of Mr Ainsworth’s personal computer found the officer had viewed internet sites containing information about suicide on five occasions before he was found hanged in the garage of his home at Potterne on March 22 2011.

He said: “The first research he did was on a website where he looked at a document called The Ten Minute Suicide Guide. He looked at other similar sites on the other occasions. On the last two occasions the methodology looked at was suicide by hanging.”

The first viewing took place on the evening of February 25 2011, which was the day after he had met his barrister to discuss the witness statements of those involved in the sexual harassment allegations against him.

The other occasions he viewed suicide websites were on March 3, March 7, March 18 and March 21.

The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow morning when Mr Ridley will return his verdict.