Woman shot herself days after resigning as PA at Barclays bank, inquest told

11 March 2024 , 22:08

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Lesley Page was found dead in the garden of the couple's home (Image: Terry Harris)

A woman shot herself dead with a shotgun days after resigning from her job as a personal assistant at Barclays Bank, an inquest heard.

Lesley Page, 65, was found with injuries to the torso on the morning of September 11 last year, having tendered her resignation the previous month. Monday's hearing in Norwich heard her husband, Stephen Page, told police in an emergency call "his wife had shot herself. The couple, who had been together for more than 40 years, lived together at a 17th century hall in the village of Emneth, Norfolk.

The statement from Detective Inspector Alix Wright of Norfolk Police said Mrs Page had worked for Barclays Bank at head office at Canary Wharf, and the couple had moved to Emneth around six years ago. She had secured a new job at a local solicitors' firm and had been due to start the following month, in October.

Barclays told police Mrs Page was "never subject to misconduct, disciplinary or attendance proceedings", Ms Wright said, with a colleague describing her as a "very competent employee". The officer added there were no recorded complaints relating to bullying, and nothing of concern was identified in financial records.

Police at the scene in Norfolk (Terry Harris)

Mrs Page's mother, Lillian Noding who lived with her daughter and son-in-law, told police that her daughter would go clay pigeon shooting. The coroner said Mrs Page was found injured, on the ground by a tree with a licensed shotgun by her side, and died at the scene.

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Norfolk's senior coroner Jacqueline Lake said there was no suicide note and nothing of concern in her phone communication or work devices. She said Mrs Page had made a comment, 18 months to two years previously, about shooting herself but "not in the recent past".

Recording a narrative conclusion and offering her sympathies to the family, the coroner said: “I'm satisfied Lesley Page went out into the garden on the morning of September 11 and did deliberately shoot herself. The evidence is it's unlikely it could be fired accidentally.

"Lesley Page had recently decided to leave her job, the reason she gave was due to the long commute and not being happy with her work. She had been successful in obtaining another job more local.

“That's evidence she was looking forward to the future. The evidence as well is her family can throw no light on her wanting to end her life. There had been no concerns in that respect in the period immediately prior. Mrs Page shot herself and died as a result of her injuries but the evidence doesn't reveal her intention at the time."

A man aged in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder during the police investigation last year, before he was released and told he would face no further action.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

PA