Former Kent Police officer killed by train in Herne Bay left note to estranged wife
13:37, 29 October 2019
updated: 13:42, 29 October 2019
A former police officer left a note to his estranged wife before stepping out in front of a train, an inquest has heard.
Peter Todd, 60, died of multiple injuries near Beltinge, Herne Bay.
A witness said he saw a man run out onto the tracks near Sweechbridge overbridge.
The inquest heard police found notes in Mr Todd's home left for his wife Cathy, who he was separated from, and stepdaughter. The contents were not disclosed.
It did, however, emerge he had made an "abusive" call to his wife in the hours before his death.
A leaflet also found in the Reculver Road flat included song lyrics and "alluded to train times and locations", with one section referring to being "trapped under a train".
Claire Tilly, from British Transport Police, said she had spoken to Mr Todd's wife, his niece, the train driver and a taxi driver during her investigation.
She said on Friday, June 28, Mr Todd ordered a cab at about 7pm to take him to Hillborough.
During the trip the taxi driver described his passenger as chatty and said he did not smell of alcohol.
Sometime later, between 9.14 and 9.30pm Mr Todd made calls described as "abusive" to Mrs Todd and later spoke to his stepdaughter. He was described as drunk in the calls.
His location during this time is not known.
He was hit by the train at about 10.20pm. There was no CCTV which covered the area.
Ms Tilly said Mr Todd had no mental health history but had been described as "moody" and "angry" by family.
He had not worked for the past decade after serving with Kent Police for 10 years.
Mr Todd had married Cathy five years ago, but they separated in March this year.
His inquest was attended by a family member and two friends.
Giving a conclusion of suicide at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone last Wednesday, coroner Catherine Wood said: "The evidence has been relatively brief.
"I am satisfied he took his own life. The notes indicate he did plan this."
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