Widow forgives police chief at inquest

Date published: 06/10/2008

The widow of ex-Greater Manchester Police Chief Michael Todd has forgiven after an inquest revealed he had relationships with other women over the course of their marriage.

Mr Todd's body was found on Snowdon in March this year. The Coronor at the inquest into his death recorded that he died of exposure. He was affected by alcohol, a sleeping drug and "confusion" due to his personal situation.

In a last email to his wife Caroline, Mr Todd said: "I really am so sorry for all the hurt I have caused you. I just hope that you will be able to forgive me, at least in part, some day."

Mrs Todd said that both she and her husband's family had forgiven him.

"The tragedy, is that Michael never felt able, during his career, to seek the help he badly needed. And he never knew that we could and have forgiven him."

Greater Manchester's new Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends at this difficult time. It is important to remember that they have lost a father, husband and brother.

“GMP and GMPA asked West Midlands Police to carry out an inquiry into the circumstances to ensure Michael’s personal life had not adversely impacted on his duties as Chief Constable. We will await the report from that work to see if there are areas that need to be considered further and before making further comment.”