Shropshire Star

Home fears pensioner took his own life

A pensioner took his own life after becoming worried about having to leave the house he had lived in all his life, an inquest heard.

Published

John Bryan Rowlinson, 72, from Morda, Oswestry, died on August 21 in his home.

The inquest, held at Shirehall, heard that Mr Rowlinson, a retired carer, was born in the house and had lived there his whole life. His parents and grandparents had also lived there.

Coroner for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, John Ellery, said that Mr Rowlinson believed he was not going to be able to move back into his house after repairs were done and was going to have to live in Minsterley.

He said: “He was a single man, he never married and he didn’t have any children.

“His parents died some time ago.

“After his parents died he became a sitting tenant.

“He was worried that he was being asked to leave his property. He would have had rights to stay there.”

Mr Ellery added: “New landlords had taken over and in order to carry out repairs they asked him to move out temporarily for repairs to be completed and he would then move back in.

“I understand John was concerned that he was going to be made to leave.

“He went to see the local council and arrangements were being made that he could go to Minsterley. That seems to be the prime reason.”

Mr Rowlinson was last seen on August 19 in his garden. He had arranged for his house to be cleared on August 21. Mr Ellery added: “The man came to clear his house at 9.40am which was when he found John hanging. He was deceased.

“Moving out of his home would have been reason in his own mind to take his own life.

“It must have been some time between August 19 and 20.”

Mr Ellery recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.