A PENSIONER stabbed himself to death within hours of his wife ending their 40-year marriage.

David Knowles, aged 73, was found dead with a knife in his stomach in the dining room of his home in Bolton Road, Farnworth, by his wife, Christine, on July 13.

At noon on the same day Mrs Knowles, his full-time carer for about 15 years, had told him that their relationship had ended and he had to find somewhere else to live.

Mrs Knowles had initially been arrested but was quickly released without charge.

Det Insp Kay Dennison said: "Mrs Knowles assisted the police and was arrested as part of the investigation. She was very helpful.

"Everything that she said was very detailed and came back as factual."

Bolton Coroners Court heard that Mr Knowles had a number of health problems, including glaucoma and diabetes, and had his leg amputated after a motorbike accident when he was younger.

The retired master joiner found it "difficult to deal with stressful situations" and had twice taken an overdose of tablets — one which lead to treatment at hospital.

Forensic pathologist Dr Naomi Carter said that other superficial wounds were found on his body, which "strongly suggest that they were self inflicted" — but that Mr Knowles had died as a result of blood loss from a stab wound to the abdomen.


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Toxicology reports confirmed that he had no alcohol in his system and the prescription drugs were not at excessive levels.

Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner Rachel Griffin said: "He was worried about where he would live and who would care for him at the breakdown of his relationship.

"I am satisfied that it was a deliberate act by Mr Knowles and that he intended the consequence to be his death."

After the hearing, Mrs Knowles' daughter, who asked not to be named, said: "This finally proves my mum's innocence."