Killer Cop 'Planned To Kill Again'

An inquest has heard that rogue police inspector Garry Weddell, who murdered his wife and mother-in-law, may have planned to kill other members of his family.

Detectives said Weddell - who was awaiting trial for his wife Sandra’s murder - took his own life when he thought he had been found out on hearing a police helicopter.

The inquest earlier heard how Weddell claimed he had found his wife dead at their home in Dunstable in January 2007.

However forensics found that bruises on Sandra’s body were inconsistent with suicide.

A police computer expert said a suicide note had been printed out at the couple’s home computer when Weddell was home alone on January 30.

A shotgun stolen from a shooting club in Markyate, Hertfordshire, was used to kill Sandra’s mother, Mrs Maxfield at her home in Gustard Wood on 11 January, this year. Weddell then shot himself at a shooting club in Markyate, Hertfordshire.

Detective Chief Inspector, Sean O’Neill said: "It is our belief that he intended to kill other family members. But because of the helicopter we believe he though we were aware of the presence and he panicked."

Following the inquest, a statement read out by police on behalf of Mrs Weddell’s family said: "It is impossible to describe the utter hurt and devastation the selfish coward has been able to cause to our family and his own children.

"We thank the members of the Major Crime Unit for the professionalism with which they have carried out their duties."

The family also asked the media to respect their privacy at this difficult time.

(DS)