Doubts on intent of tragic rugby star

Drugs and steroids may have impaired the judgment of rugby league star Terry Newton when he hanged himself, an inquest heard.

A coroner ruled she could not be certain the ex-Great Britain international was intent on suicide as she recorded an open verdict.

The hearing in Bolton yesterday was told that traces of anabolic steroids, cocaine and amphetamine were found in his system following his death on September 26.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was discovered by police in the loft of his home in Orrell, Wigan, after his wife Stacey had told a friend she was concerned for his safety. He left notes expressing a desire to end his life.

Mr Newton, 31, had his contract terminated by Wakefield in February after being suspended for two years for a positive drug test for human growth hormone.

Toxicology reports showed he had taken the steroid nandrolone within the week of his death and traces of cocaine and amphetamine were in his urine, along with alcohol and anti-depressants.

None of the banned drugs was a direct factor in the cause of death but all could have lowered a person's mood, the inquest was told.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Human growth hormone cannot be tested for post-mortem samples so no test was undertaken.

In reaching her verdict, Wigan coroner Jennifer Leeming said: "I cannot be sure beyond all reasonable doubt that at the time Mr Newton did that act that he had the capacity at the relevant time to form an appropriate intention to end his own life.

"In those circumstances the correct conclusion for me to record in law as to the underlying cause of death is an open conclusion.

Mr Newton also played as a hooker for his hometown club Wigan, as well as Leeds and Bradford.