Couple died in suicide pact

Anthony Jonathan Threadgold, aged 39, hanged himself on November 29 last year - 16 days after the death of his Japanese-born wife Taiko, who also took her life at their home in Arlington Avenue, Leamington,

After his wife’s death, on November 13, Mr Threadgold left the house and was found some days later suffering from hypothermia in a field in Kenilworth.

The inquest heard there were ligature marks on his neck and evidence of self-harm to his wrists. Mr Threadgold was taken to University Hospital, Coventry, for treatment after explaining to police that his 44-year-old wife was lying dead at home.

Coroner Sean McGovner heard that Mrs Threadgold had tried to take her own life in the past and that both husband and wife - who met while studying at the Royal Academy of Art - suffered from depression and anxiety.

He also heard how on November 13 Mr Threadgold had constructed a gallows out of a bed, almost in an attempt to scare them and with no intention of using it.

But while downstairs he hard a loud crash and returned to the bedroom to find his wife had hanged herself.

He fled the house and days later was discovered by a farmer in Kenilworth and was taken to hospital where he was treated on a general ward.

Mr Threadgold’s mother, Sylvia, told Mr McGovner: “They were both beautiful, talented people with so much potential to be happy because they were very happy.

“It’s just tragic it ended like this.”

She said her understanding was that her son was to be transferred to the hospital’s psychiatric wing but in fact he was discharged home. Five days later he was found hanging from a door.

In his verdict Mr McGovner said: “This is a double tragedy. Mrs Threadgold took her own life in some kind of suicide pact. Mr Threadgold survived and 16 days later he completed his part of the pact.

“There was a lot of talent between the two, both of them artists. It is a terrible tragedy that it should come to this.”