Foster inquest verdict

Friday 3rd April 2009, 4:30PM BST.

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Ruined Shropshire millionaire Christopher Foster unlawfully killed his wife Jill and daughter Kirstie, 15, before committing suicide, a coroner ruled today.

Coroner Mr John Ellery also made a recommendation that the gun licence authorities should contact GPs before any applications are renewed, but said he did not know if this would have made a difference in this case.

Mr Ellery said Jill and Kirstie Foster had had everything to live for.

Speaking after the verdict, Chris Foster’s brother, Andrew, said: “Further to the verdicts given by the coroner Mr Ellery today and his comments regarding the current gun laws, what has shocked us as a family over the last six months is the failure of different branches of the public service to work together even when the objective is as essential as the prevention of life-threatening violence.

“It has become apparent that Christopher had been mentally ill for some time and had discussed with his GP and other people that he intended to take his own life.”

Mr Foster said a charity appeal had been set up in Kirstie’s memory on the website Justgiving, and all proceeds would be donated to riding for the disabled.

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