Lindley Moor surveyor Peter Jakeways shot himself in garden

Nov 13 2009 by Anne-Marie Senior, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

He was also feeling increasing pressure in his job with Leeds City Council and was growing concerned he may be fired.

He was taking three different drugs to help him cope with his depression at the time of his death.

Days before he died, he met his ex-wife Diane Balmforth for lunch. The couple had remained friends.

She had recently remarried, but helped him compile a list to help ease some of his worries.

Mr Jakeways was found clutching pieces of the note when his body was found.

Consultant pathologist Dr Padwell told the court how Mr Jakeways had suffered massive head injuries as a result of a gunshot wound to his head.

Deputy corner Paul Marks said: “It is very difficult in these circumstances to find any crumb of comfort other than to suggest his death would have been instantaneous. He would not have felt a thing.

“I am satisfied this was not an accidental death. A firearm was discovered and there was clear intention that Mr Jakeways intended to take his own life.

“He had a history of mental illness. All that remains open is for me to express my deepest sympathies for your sad loss.”