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Full Report: Conclusion of Horden Shootings inquest
A coroner has called for an overhaul of the way gun licences are granted at the conclusion of the inquest into the Horden shootings - where a taxi driver shot dead three people, as well as himself.
At the inquest in County Durham three verdicts of unlawful killing were recorded as well as one verdict of suicide.
The coroner said that the victims would not have died if more robust procedures had been in place for granting gun licences
You can watch the full report from Frances Read below.
Coroner urges gun licensing changes at inquest
A coroner has called for "root and branch" changes to gun licensing at the conclusion of an inquest into a taxi driver who shot dead three members of his family before killing himself.
Andrew Tweddle said that with the current "flawed" system it was "fortuitous" there had not been more incidents like the one in Horden, near Peterlee, County Durham, on New Year's Day 2012.
Michael Atherton, 42, killed his partner, Susan McGoldrick, 47, her sister, Alison Turnbull, 44, and Ms Turnbull's daughter, Tanya, 24, before turning the gun on himself.
Mr Tweddle, sitting in Crook, reached a verdict that the women were unlawfully killed and that Atherton killed himself.
The inquest heard that Atherton, despite a history of domestic abuse and threats to self-harm, legally owned six weapons, including three shotguns.
The inquest also heard that there was no formal training for police officers involved in granting firearms licences.
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MP calls on government to change gun license rules
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is calling for the government to change gun license rules in the wake of the Horden shootings.
At the inquest into the shootings today the coroner called for ‘root and branch’ reform of gun licensing - a call echoed by MP Yvette Cooper.
Michael Atherton held a firearm license, despite having a history of domestic violence and previously having had his guns taken off him by police, and went on to shoot three members of the same family before turning the gun on himself.
– Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary“The Coroner’s call for ‘root and branch’ reform of gun licensing should be acted upon by the Home Secretary.
“When I met with Bobby Turnbull earlier this year to discuss his campaign after the tragedy that hit his family, it was clear there needs to tighter restrictions on gun ownership - especially if someone has a history of domestic abuse.
"Atherton should never have been given a gun.
“What the Turnbull family have had to go through is harrowing and I pay tribute to them for taking this campaign forward."
– Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary“Men with a history of domestic violence should not be allowed to own guns. The guidance on domestic violence in the gun licensing framework is far too weak and much stronger action is needed.
"And police forces need to make sure licensing is done properly and that any complaints or intelligence over domestic violence are taken seriously - they shouldn't just wait until someone has been convicted before they withdraw a gun licence.
"No one should die in circumstances like this. To protect women's safety, gun licence rules should be changed now."
Family of Horden shooter release statement
The family of Michael Atherton have released a statement following an inquest into the Horden shootings.
The statement was read out by Detective Sergeant Dave Wilkes of Durham Constabulary.
Statement from IPCC about Horden Shootings
IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long has read out a statement from the police watchdog about its findings of Durham Constabulary's handling of firearm licensing following the Horden Shootings.
Lunchtime Update: Horden Shootings inquest ends
The inquest into the Horden shootings, which took place on New Year's Day last year, has recorded three verdicts of unlawful killing, and that the gunman took his own life.
The Coroner has also called for an urgent review into how guns are licensed.
Watch the lunchtime update from Frances Read below.
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Family of Horden victims give statement on inquest verdict
Bobby Turnbull, son, brother and nephew of the Horden shooting victims, has read out a statement from the family following today's inquest verdict.
Taxi driver Michael Atherton shot dead his ex-partner Susan McGoldrick, her sister Alison Turnbull and Alison's daughter Tanya, before turning the gun on himself.
The coroner has recorded three verdicts of unlawful killing, and that the gunman took his own life.
Watch the family's statement below.
Lessons must be learned from this
The Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, Keith Vaz MP, says it is essential that lessons are learned from the Horden Shootings.
BREAKING: Coroner's Verdict on Horden Shootings
Coroner rules that Susan McGoldrick, Alison Turnbull and Tanya Turnbull, Michael Atherton's three victims were unlawfully killed. He recorded a verdict of Suicide for Atherton.
Cleveland Police Commissioner supports Teesside domestic abuse campaign
Four events will be held across the Teesside area to raise the profile of the campaign to support more victims of domestic abuse and violence.
The campaign, which is being launched on International Women's Day, has the support of Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner.
Barry Coppinger says despite funding cuts, tackling abuse remains a top priority.
