‘Suffering’ couple died in suicide pact at home

A RETIRED company director and his wife took their own lives after deciding to die together because of their illnesses, an inquest heard.

Peter Norris, 75, and his former teacher wife Marguerite, 74, were found dead in separate bedrooms in April last year.

Both had written DNR – meaning Do Not Resuscitate – on their foreheads and they had informed their solicitor by letter of their intentions.

Detectives discovered they had left instructions on various matters after their deaths, such as updated wills and details on the workings of their detached home in Modbury, Devon.

Evidence from the couple’s GP as well as the post-mortem revealed that they were both in poor health, the Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon coroner’s court heard.

Mr Norris had suffered two strokes as well as coronary artery disease, chronic renal disease and obstructed neuropathy.

His wife had heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Toxicology tests revealed that the tragic couple both died as a result of drug overdoses of prescribed medication.

GP Dr Naomi Hulatt said Mr Norris suffered from chronic neuropathological pain and arthritis.

Dr Hulatt added: “He didn’t really ever want to go to hospital again.” Police investigator Keeley Topham said the circumstances of their deaths were not treated as suspicious.

She added: “None of the neighbours had seen the deceased in the week preceding their deaths.

“On a desk were documents containing their updated will and various other bits of paperwork of matters that would require attention after their deaths.

“On a table in the sitting room was a clipboard with instructions for the automated light and heating along with instructions about keeping the curtains drawn to prevent the furniture fading.

“Later on, I spoke to the solicitor and they had received a letter from the couple which had basically explained, ‘Our lives, our choice’.

“All the evidence at the scene would suggest that the sad deaths of Mr and Mrs Norris were due to suicide with no third party involvement.”

Senior coroner Ian Arrow recorded conclusions that Mr and Mrs Norris had taken their own lives. He explained: “I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Peter has decided to take an overdose. It is clear he did not wish to be resuscitated.”

Referring to Mrs Norris, he added: “I am satisfied from the fact she did not want to be resuscitated that she had taken those drugs with an intention of ending her own life.”