Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Inquests open into deaths of elderly couple found in their Dorset home

Michael Newton died of hanging while a cause of death for his wife, Heather, has not been confirmed, the inquest heard.

Ben Mitchell
Tuesday 07 January 2025 09:19 EST
Forensic police officers search a boat and a car on the driveway of a property in Anthony’s Avenue, Poole (Ben Mitchell/PA)
Forensic police officers search a boat and a car on the driveway of a property in Anthony’s Avenue, Poole (Ben Mitchell/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A retired salesman who was found dead along with his wife at their home died of hanging, an inquest has heard.

Detectives launched an investigation after the discovery of the bodies of Michael and Heather Newton at a house in Anthony’s Avenue, Poole, Dorset, at 11.35am on Tuesday December 31.

The opening of inquests into their deaths at Bournemouth Town Hall heard that Mr Newton, 76, died of “suspension by ligature”.

A separate inquest opened into the death of Mrs Newton, a 70-year-old retired conference manager born in Eastbourne, heard that the initial results of a post-mortem examination by Dr Russell Delaney had been unable to provide a cause of death, with further tests being carried out.

Coroner’s officer Nicola Muller told the hearing: “Police and paramedics had been called to the home address of Mr and Mrs Newton following reports of an unresponsive male and female.”

She added that the couple were formally identified by photographs provided by their family.

Coroner Brendan Allen adjourned the two cases for full inquests to be heard on July 22 and added: “In the meantime I will await the results of the post mortem.”

Police forensic officers were seen carrying out examinations of the couple’s home on Friday including a boat and a car parked on their driveway.

Bunches of flowers were also left at the entrance to the driveway.

Neighbour Edward Ramsbottom, 86, said that Mr and Mrs Newton were a “pleasant” couple and their deaths had come as a shock to the area.

Detective Inspector Ian Allen, of Dorset Police, said in a statement released following the deaths: “This is a very sad incident and we are doing all we can to support the next of kin.

“At this time, it is not believed anyone else was involved in the incident and inquiries will continue to find out the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in