A British coroner's court jury is believed to have made legal history by returning a verdict of suicide in the case of a man shot dead by police.
Michael Malsbury (62) was killed by a police marksman following an armed siege at his house in Harrow, north west London.
The "suicide by cop" verdict has been described as "perverse and dangerous" by experts who investigate deaths involving armed police.
Hornsey Coroner's Court heard the siege began when mini-cab driver Mr Malsbury barricaded himself in his house on November 14th, 2001, after attacking his wife with a rolling pin.
Firearms officers surrounded the house until a shot was fired from inside. Police returned fire and Mr Malsbury was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Although Mr Malsbury did not fire the fatal shot, the jury heard he had a "cowboy attitude" towards armed police during the nine-hour siege.
He was shot in the chest as he stepped out of his bedroom saying: "Better get your guns out lads, I'm coming out," and firing a shot at officers.
The court heard how Mr Malsbury, a member of a gun club, referred to "high noon" throughout negotiations. He had also told police he had a powerful 9mm Glock, although actually he was armed with a small silver revolver. Police also found two suicide notes to his wife and a box of bullets.