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Siege Barrister shot dead by police had been taking anti-depressants
Last updated at 07:37am on 12.05.08
Barrister Mark Saunders had been taking anti-depressant drugs for several months, it has been revealed
Friends of Mark Saunders, 32, who was killed by at least five bullet wounds, have revealed that he had been on prescription drugs for depression and had behaved "erratically" when drinking alcohol, as he did on the day he died.
Those close to the £150,000-a-year Oxford graduate and his grieving widow, fellow barrister Elizabeth Clarke, 40, disclosed that they became concerned at Mr Saunders's odd behaviour after drinking during a recent stag party.
The friends said the cocktail of anti-depressants and alcohol, which he consumed at a pub near his home in Chelsea, West London, last Tuesday, may explain his bizarre actions.
After firing his shotgun at neighbours from the window of his £2.2million flat, Mr Saunders repeatedly shot at police during a five-hour siege.
Doctors advise those on anti-depressants not to mix them with alcohol, as this can impair their mental abilities.
Mr Saunders, a former part-time Territorial Army soldier who had trained with SAS instructors, was shot in the brain, heart, liver and lower body, a pathologist's report revealed.
An investigation is being carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Elizabeth Clarke, 40, sobs in the street last Tuesday while her husband exchanges fire with armed police
"To me he will remain my little boy, even though he was a grown man. We now hope the investigation will be thorough, but it will not bring him back. Nothing will."
Mrs Saunders and her husband, Rodney, a 64-year-old quantity surveyor, have questioned the use of lethal force and why their "talented and sociable" son had to die in a barrage of police bullets.
A neighbour of the dead lawyer – who acted in high-profile divorce cases, including that of gameshow host Chris Tarrant – said last night: "We don't believe Mr Saunders had to die. The police should have sent for his parents to talk him out of there alive."
Police last night defended their actions, claiming armed officers had no choice but to shoot Mr Saunders after hours of negotiations broke down.
A senior police source said: "He shot at police officers at 5pm, 9pm and again at 9.30pm.
"We tried everything possible to contain and negotiate with him but this was a real threat with real bullets.
"He was shooting at police officers and members of the public. We never wanted to shoot him."
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The drawing room in Chelsea, west London, where Mark Saunders was shot dead
Mr Saunders was shot by officers from the Met's CO19 unit and Royal and Diplomatic Protection Squad. Nine have been taken off armed duties.
Commander Ali Dizaei, in overall charge, has been embroiled in controversy in the past when he was suspended for two years after corruption allegations, although he was cleared of all charges in 2003.
Neighbours spoke last night of their shock at the actions of "mild-mannered" Mr Saunders.
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Point of impact: A bullet hole in one of the windows of the flat (left), Exclusive residence: The £2million flat in Markham Square
One 48-year-old mother of two said: "It was very clear that he was drunk; he was shouting indiscriminately and hurling abuse at anyone he saw.
"I heard a series of loud bangs and the next thing I knew he was lying on the pavement with officers trying to keep him alive."
Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
A tragic death that says more about how mental illness is dealt with, both by society in general and those immediately involved, than the brave action of CO19. Lets be thankful there was only one death. This man was a serious threat to all in the vicinity and especially the police involved in the attempt for peaceful resolution for the safety of the general public. No matter how much he earned or how expensive his house, he aimed and fired a lethal weapon at innocent people. This sad end was inevitable, and as an educated man of the law, it is likely he knew the final outcome, before the CO19 unit was called.
Furthermore, I doubt the public out pouring for this lost soul would be news worthy if it was an unemployed person of ethnic minority living in the decay of our poorly maintained council run estates. it is time for middle class Britain to look outside themselves for the good of our society as a whole.
- Mr T, London
Antidepressants and alcohol make a lethal mix. I was prescribed the anti-depressant Seroxat for depression a few years ago. The side effects were terrible, aggression, hostility, abnormal dreams, abnormal behaviour, personality changes etc. When I drank alcohol on Seroxat, I got worse and often flipped out and became aggressive due to the effects of the drugs. I would also black out and not remember a thing. There are many other people who have had similar reactions to Antidepressants which in themselves can be dangerous, when combined with alcohol, people become timebombs. The drug companies should warn people of these dangers because they are very real and do happen, as is apparent from this tragic case.
My deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.
I do hope they make the connection though between the drugs and the alcohol, maybe something will be done?, something certainly needs to be. These drugs are very dangerous , even more so mixed with alcohol.
- Concerned, Galway, Ireland
My true sympathy to all the family.
What is it about these drugs? A very good friend of mine of many years went through a very similar situation. It was unfortunately after a violent attack that the drugs he was taking reacted badly in conjunction with a fruit which he was eating in too large a quantities. It ended up very sadly.
This was some 10 years ago now and doubt whether the drug companies have bothered to add cautionary notes to their instructions of use.
- Tony, London E11
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