Foster 'said he may kill himself'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 50-year-old told former business associate Mark Bassett that one option out of his financial difficulty would be to take his own life, the inquest at Shrewsbury Magistrates' Court.

The wealthy businessman died alongside his wife Jill, 49, and 15-year-old daughter at the secluded family mansion in Maesbrook, Shropshire, in August last year.

Mr Bassett said Mr Foster had told him: "Jesus, they are not having my stuff, I will top myself before that. They will carry me out in a box."

The inquest was told Mr Foster was in "severe financial difficulty" after his thermal insulation company, Ulva Ltd, went in to liquidation in October 2007.

Giving evidence, Mr Bassett said Mr Foster thought his wife Jill, 49, and teenage daughter Kirstie would be degraded if they lost their high standard of living.

Mr Bassett told the court: "He suggested to me that he would take a wander down to the woods at the edge of the grounds and take a gun with him and commit suicide.

"He felt they had become accustomed to a certain standard of living, a certain quality of life, and it was his opinion that they wouldn't be able to cope if they needed to take a few backward steps."