Suicide police chief over the drink limit

POLICE chief Michael Todd was over the legal drink drive limit when he died, his inquest was told today.

Michael Todd allowed himself to freeze to death Michael Todd allowed himself to freeze to death

The 50-year-old had 105 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system.

The legal limit for drivers is only 80 milligrams per 100 millitres.

Last night it emerged that the Chief constable killed himself after being plunged into a “dark place” by his turbulent love life.

The married police boss had a string of affairs with female police officers, a personal assistant and a leading businesswoman.

Angie Robinson allegedly had an affair with Michael Todd Angie Robinson allegedly had an affair with Michael Todd

Thrown into turmoil by his tangled relationships, he sent “disturbing” text messages before taking his life on Snowdon in North Wales.

Mr Todd’s body was found covered in snow near a path just 100 yards from Snowdon’s 3,560ft summit.

It was suggested yesterday that, after leaving notes for his family, he had taken off some of his clothes in order to succumb quicker to the freezing temperatures on the peak.

Mr Todd's drinking session would have accelerated hypothermia in the "horrendous" conditions. He would have quickly become unconscious and "stood no chance" as wind, rain and snow took hold.

A gin bottle was discovered near his body along with more spirits.

Today's findings were made public by consultant pathologist Dr Anthony Caslin, who conducted the post-mortem examination yesterday at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in North Wales.

Dr Caslin - who would not normally be called to the opening of an inquest - added that Mr Todd’s urine reading was 220 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

The coroner for North West Wales, Dewi Pritchard-Jones, asked him: “So, not a huge amount of alcohol then?”

Dr Caslin answered: “No, sir.

“It would probably have been higher several hours prior to death as the urine level was quite high.

“It was probably up to 150 or 160 milligrams at some point.”

Further toxicology tests will be carried out on the Greater Manchester Police chief’s blood.

“In the light of that I have withheld the cause of death until the tests are done,” said Dr Caslin.

Earlier today Michael Todd's widow paid tribute today to a “loving and caring father and husband” as it was revealed he had a three-year affair with a leading businesswoman.

Carolyn Todd said the family were “struggling to come to terms” with his apparent suicide.

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