A SON tried to help his father kill himself to escape the devastating motor neurone disease, an Isle of Wight inquest has heard today (Wednesday).
Just months after being diagnosed with the chronic degenerative disease, Jim Maguire, a former prison governor from Medham Village, Northwood, asked his devoted son, also Jim, to help him die, using exhaust fumes from his car.
But the fumes did not kill the 72 year old. Instead Mr Maguire died from the cocktail of alcohol and pain killers he had also taken.
Mr Maguire, of Green Lane, was found dead in the driver’s seat of his car at his home in the early hours of March 2, 2015, after his son called police.
Officers found an empty tumbler and a suicide note at the side of the former professional rugby player, stating he did not want to live with the devastating illness, which robs mobility, causes difficulty in breathing and swallowing and eventually leads to death in most cases.
He had been diagnosed with the condition just months before, but his condition rapidly deteriorated to the point where he could only move with the aid of a walking frame.
He had already made one suicide attempt and had told friends he did not want to live.
Police arrested his son on suspicion of aiding his father’s death, but dropped the case after the cause of death was revealed.
In police interview, Mr Maguire junior described how his father had told him how it was 'time to go.’
Coroner John Matthews said the situation had been very distressing for Mr Maguire’s son.
"He put his son in a very, very difficult position. The dominant will was of Mr Maguire senior," he said.
He concluded Mr Maguire had taken the drugs and drink willingly and had killed himself.