Greg King death self-inflicted – coroner
The report contains excerpts from a note left by Mr King, in which he described himself as "exhausted, unwell, disillusioned, depressed and haunted''.
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A coroner has found high-profile criminal lawyer Greg King was in a depressed state before he was found dead in Wellington in November last year.
The report of coroner Garry Evans says Mr King’s death was self inflicted. It says the relentless pressures of his criminal practice along with other influences meant he suffered a major collapse under pressure.
The report contains excerpts from a note left by Mr King, in which he described himself as "exhausted, unwell, disillusioned, depressed and haunted.''
In it, Mr King said after 20 years he was “totally burnt out” and that his experiences with criminals had dulled his human senses.
The report also addresses speculation he had taken his life within days of an investigative journalist approaching him with allegations of irregularities in his legal aid billing.
The Ministry of Justice investigated but decided the amount of legal aid was reasonable and the investigation could not proceed.
Mr King’s widow Catherine Milne-King today released a statement requesting privacy.
“Our family will be unlikely to ever come to terms with Greg’s death. Sadly, like many people, we see it as a by-product of his recognised genius.
“The texture of the man we remember is a caring and loving husband, father, brother and son; someone who never said no to requests for his expert help, and someone who stood for fairness, equality and justice for everyone.”
NBR staff
Thu, 17 Oct 2013
Thu, 17 Oct 2013
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Greg King death self-inflicted – coroner
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