Suicide pact horror

Father and son found hanged

A DEVOTED father and son were even united in death as they carried out a shocking suicide pact after being unable to live without each other.

Mystery surrounded the deaths of Hugh and Donald Robertson after the pair — aged 87 and 58 —were found hanged in their Woodford Road house in Failsworth by horrified neighbours on July 5, last year.

As a double inquest yesterday revealed details of a tragic past blighted with health problems, coroner Simon Nelson described it as the saddest inquest he had dealt with in 10 years.

Hugh’s sister-in-law Ida Wrigley told the Oldham hearing: “There was a very close and loving relationship between father and son. I don’t think they could have lived without each other.”

Donald was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged only 13. He needed eight hours of surgery and was initially unable to walk or talk. With the help of his mum, Beryl, Donald fully recovered to become a draughtsman and a qualified glider pilot.

Beryl died 15 years ago. In 2001, Donald was diagnosed with dystonia, a painful condition affecting control of the neck muscles.

The former Chadderton Grammar School pupil, who always lived with his parents and never married, had to stop working and give up his hobby and socialising.

Several years ago his dad discovered a note on his computer and found Donald in bed after taking an overdose. He was hospitalised for five weeks.

Hugh, a retired engineer, began having breathing problems four years before his death. He was advised to get rid of a pigeon they kept inside the house.

Doctors’ records showed Hugh had glaucoma, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis but neither had made suicidal comments or shown signs of depression. Donald had been receiving botox injections but it had stopped relieving his neck problems.

Mrs Wrigley said: “Hugh was a very nice, friendly man, quietly spoken and very reserved. Donald was a very pleasant, laid back and reserved gentlemen but never spoke of concerns.”

The pair were found by neighbour Christine Lomas after Hugh’s niece Susan Thompson, from Failsworth, became worried she had not heard from the pair, who she described as very friendly and very good to her but who kept themselves to themselves.

Hugh left behind a box of financial documents and instructions for solicitors and a suicide note, which spoke of his intention to kill himself and the pair’s worsening health.

Detective Inspector Derek Weaver said the pair had hanged themselves next to each other in an identical manner. Donald’s rope had unravelled and he was found lying at his dad’s feet.

He said there was nothing to suggest either had assisted the other against their will and it appeared a joint venture.

Recording a verdict that they each took their own life, Mr Nelson said: “There was a tremendous bond between them. Just as they cared for each other in life they were united in death.”