11/04/2008

Memorial Service Takes Place For 'Copper's Cop'

A memorial service for Manchester Police Chief Michael Todd, who was found dead on a Welsh mountainside last month, has taken place.

His widow, Carolyn Todd, revealed to mourners how her husband had told her he loved her and that he was sorry, just hours before he died.

She said: "I would like to share with you just a few words my husband said to me in an email written on the Sunday evening before he died. 'I know that I love you, sounds hollow but I do and I'm sorry'."

Mrs Todd shook with emotion on her first public appearance at the service, entitled 'A Thanksgiving for the Career of Michael Todd'. She was with her daughter Catherine, 16, twin sons, David and Matthew, 13, and the former police chief's brother Stephen.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith and some of Britain's most senior police officers attended the Manchester Cathedral service.

Mr Todd was buried in a private ceremony at a churchyard near his family home on 21 March.

Revelations about the tragic cop's tangled private life have surfaced since his alleged suicide. The circumstances surrounding his death are to be investigated by Sir Paul Scott-Lee, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

(VB/JM)

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