Dudley sex offence suspect used gun on himself
A suspected sex offender found dead days after going missing from his home killed himself with his shotgun, an inquest heard.
Garry Foster, of Dudley, who had been wanted by West Midlands Police in connection with 'serious offences', pointed the weapon at his head using a long twig to push down the trigger, it was told.
A detective told Worcestershire Coroner's Court sitting in Stourport yesterday that he couldn't be sure if Mr Foster, a gardener from Linwood Road, knew he was wanted by police before he shot himself.
The 53-year-old was found on September 26 on the river bank at Grimley, near Claines, South Worcestershire, by people on a passing boat.
Senior coroner for Worcestershire Mr Geraint Williams heard police had discovered his vehicle, a Mitsubishi Pajero, on a car park 500 metres from where he was found.
And Detective Sergeant Stuart Hawkeswood, of Worcestershire CID, told the hearing officers were satisfied it was self-inflicted.
"He had a long twig in his hand which he had used to push down the trigger," he said.
Det Sgt Hawkeswood said there were no indications anyone else had been involved.
"He knew people were aware of the allegations. It is not clear if he knew police were actively seeking him."
Mr Williams said a post mortem had revealed the cause of death to be extensive brain injury resultant from a gunshot injury. He concluded Mr Foster had committed suicide. "He was not a stupid man and knew the consequences of using a shotgun. I am satisfied he intended to take his own life."
Mr Foster's wife, June, refused to comment at the end of yesterday's hearing.
