Inspector 'planned to kill more'

Garry Weddell was found dead at a shooting club in Hertfordshire

A Met Police inspector who killed his mother-in-law while on bail accused of murdering his wife may have planned to kill more relatives, an inquest heard.

Garry Weddell, 47, heard a police helicopter, thought he had been found out and shot himself, the court heard.

The inquest also heard how he may have faked the January 2007 suicide of his wife Sandra at their Bedfordshire home.

A coroner ruled he unlawfully killed his wife and her mother, Traute Maxfield, before killing himself.

The hearing was told how Weddell said he found his 44-year-old wife dead at their home in Dunstable.

Suicide note

Experts found bruises leading police to suspect the suicide was faked, Det Ch Insp Sean O'Neill told the hearing.

He said injuries indicating a scuffle and bruising on Mrs Weddell's upper arms were found by a forensic pathologist along with bruises on her right fist which would indicate a struggle with an attacker.

Bedford and Luton Coroner David Morris heard how other evidence also raised suspicions about her death.

It is our belief he intended to kill other family members Det Ch Insp Sean O'Neill

A police computer expert said a suicide note had been printed out at the couple's home when Weddell was home alone on the day Mrs Weddell is said to have died.

There were no fingerprints on the paper, but a linguistic expert said the "high standard" of language suggested Weddell wrote the note.

Weddell was charged with murder but was released on bail and went on to kill his mother-in-law and himself, the inquest heard.

A shotgun stolen from a shooting club in Markyate, Hertfordshire, was used to kill Mrs Maxfield, 70, at her home on 11 January, before Weddell shot himself at the shooting club, the inquest heard.

Det Ch Insp O'Neill said: "The investigation team believe that Garry Weddell was possibly en route to carry out another attack but had been worried about the helicopter overhead.

It is impossible to describe the utter hurt and devastation the selfish coward has been able to cause to our family and his own children Family statement

"We believe he intended to finish the day with the taking of his own life.

"We believe that he killed Traute Maxfield but the route he had taken was a natural drive to the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard area.

"It is our belief he intended to kill other family members. But because of the helicopter we believe he thought we were aware of the presence and he panicked."

Recording his verdict, coroner Mr Morris said Weddell undertook clay pigeon shooting lessons and then stole a shotgun from the club for his use.

Mr Morris added that he might write to the government with observations on the safeguards controlling weapons held by gun clubs after reviewing the case.

He said he might also encourage the government to review the restrictions on the judiciary when they consider bail applications.

'Difficult investigation'

After the inquest, a statement was read out by police on behalf of Mrs Weddell's family.

It said: "It is impossible to describe the utter hurt and devastation the selfish coward has been able to cause to our family and his own children.

"We thank everyone who knew our unique and precious mother and sister for their continued support as we attempt to rebuild our lives and correct the injustices Sandra and Traute and their loved ones have suffered.

"We thank the members of the Major Crime Unit for the professionalism with which they have carried out their duties.

"At this time we would ask the media to respect our privacy and allow us to recover from these tragedies."

A spokeswoman for the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, added: "This was a difficult investigation and our thoughts are with the families involved at this time.

"We hope that they can now move on and continue with their bereavement process."