Husband killed wife and himself after making plans to 'go together'

08 January 2023 , 16:25

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The couple were found dead at a seaside bungalow in April last year (Image: Paul Glenn / SWNS)

A husband killed his wife of over 60 years before taking his own life as they struggled with health and made plans to “go together”, an inquest has heard.

The bodies of Alexander and Helen Lawrie, both 83, were found in the conservatory of their home in the seaside town of Cromer, Norfolk, in April last year.

The couple had met in their teens and had three sons together, but the inquest heard that Mrs Lawrie's health had been deteriorating in recent years.

She had problems with mobility, speech, eyesight and dementia and needed regular care.

During the police investigation into their deaths, a carer told officers that the couple had said that if something happened to them, they would "go together".

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Police at the scene in Cromer, Norfolk where the couple were found (Paul Glenn / SWNS)

The couple were found by paramedics at about 7.18pm on April 4 last year.

A Home Office post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Lawrie died of head injuries while Mr Lawrie passed away from leg injuries.

There was no sign of forced entry at their home near Cromer's Happy Valley, nor any third-party involvement.

The inquest heard how the couple married in 1960.

Mrs Lawrie owned hair salons and lectured on hairdressing while Mr Lawrie was a lecturer in electrical engineering before his retirement.

They had been prominent members of the Royal Cromer Golf Club.

Mr Lawrie also had a keen interest in cycling and was believed to have run a neighbourhood watch group.

The inquest heard the couple had met in their teens and married in 1960 (Paul Glenn / SWNS)

The inquest heard that after her health deteriorated, the couple were looking at options to move Mrs Lawrie into a care home or for her to have a live-in carer.

Following the discovery of the couple's death, members of the close-knit local community said the news had "shattered everybody".

Mr and Mrs Lawrie were described as "very friendly" by those who knew them and were said to be "always chatty".

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Detective Inspector Chris Burgess, who led the inquiry, said: “This is an incredibly sad incident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Helen and Alexander.

"It was clear to me that Helen and Alexander were devoted to each other throughout their marriage and he cared for her fully throughout her deteriorating health.”

Area coroner Yvonne Blake found Helen Lawrie had been unlawfully killed and Alexander Lawrie had died by suicide.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].

Owen Sennitt