Tragic police chief's final message

2:54pm Monday 6th October 2008

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Police chief Michael Todd sent a last text message before he died, saying: "I'm sorry for what I have done, forgive me in another life," the inquest into his death heard.

The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police also visited suicide websites as well as sending a series of tragic text messages to friends and lovers in the days before he died.

The texts culminated in him admitting he was intending to kill himself, and apologising to his wife, Carolyn Todd, about his affair with another woman.

Angie Robinson, the married chief executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, was linked to the police chief following his death.

Mrs Todd listened intently but made no reaction, as the messages and emails were outlined, detailing the troubled mind of the father-of-three who had been confronted by his wife about his behaviour.

Among the texts and emails, Todd said he was in a "dark place" and had "destroyed himself" before an aborted suicide attempt days before he was found dead.

His body was found on Mount Snowdon on March 11 this year, days after being "challenged" about his womanising by his wife.

Det Sgt Kevin Evans told the inquest at Gwynedd Council Offices in Caernarfon, he went through Mr Todd's mobile phone and email records.

Coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones said the identities of who received them, and what action they took was "not relevant" and instead witnesses were referred to by letters.

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