A RETIRED farmer who could no longer endure the pain of his battle with cancer died after shooting himself, an inquest heard.

Peter Noel Wentworth, 92, of Raskelf Road, Easingwold, had fought leukaemia for many years, but had increasingly struggled with the pain, Northallerton Coroner’s Court was told.

His body was found lying in the garden of his home in June by relative Darren Morse, who had visited Mr Wentworth with his wife to see if he needed anything from the shops.

He said: “I looked through the dining room window and saw Peter on the lawn.

“I went through a kitchen door and this is when I saw a firearm by his legs. I have never seen one before, but it looked very old.”

Mr Wentworth died from severe head injuries due to gun shot wounds, a post mortem examination found.

An examination of the gun by police experts found that it was an unknown make of shotgun which was in poor condition but in working order, the court heard.

The court also heard that Mr Wentworth, who was divorced, lived alone, but was often visited by relatives.

In a statement to police, neighbours Mr and Mrs Toase said he was a “wonderful neighbour”, but was “extremely unwell”.

Other neighbours Michael and Caroline Wheatley told police he had said that “no one understands the pain I am in” and had previously stated an intention to overdose, but had been persuaded not to. Recording a verdict of suicide, Coroner Michael Oakley said: “He had clearly indicated that he would rather be dead – that’s clear from the evidence I have taken and from the evidence the neighbours have given to the police.

“This had been a deliberate act.

“Although the gun was old there was nothing found in anyway that was particularly faulty with it.”