Man who 'feared test results' shot himself, inquest hears (From Bucks Free Press)

Great Missenden man who 'feared test results' shot himself, inquest hears

11:10am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

A ‘HEAVY drinker’ shot himself the day before he was due to receive test results on his liver - though a post mortem exam showed no signs of liver damage, an inquest heard.

Christopher Lacey, from Great Missenden, thought he was about to receive bad news from the hospital due to his increased drinking, Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court heard yesterday.

The single 57-year-old was found at home with a shotgun wound to the head on October 17 last year.

Mr Lacey had been feeling unwell and was set to receive the results for his liver complaint the following day, the inquest heard.

Friend Donald Hodson had arranged to have tea at Mr Lacey’s Wychwood Rise home, but discovered his body in a utility room after finding the front door was left unlocked.

The inquest heard Mr Lacey had left his job two years ago “with a degree of bad feeling between him and his employer”, and though he was not an alcoholic he had been drinking heavily.

Coroner Richard Hulett said Mr Lacey’s health concerns were “preying on his mind”, but added: “In fact it looks as though his thoughts were misplaced.

“The post mortem report doesn’t suggest his liver was damaged by alcohol. I think sadly his fears probably were based on his fears rather than reality.”

He also thought it was “highly significant” that he left the front door open and Mr Hodson was expected to visit that day.

He found Mr Lacey took his own life.