A BARRISTER was hit at least five times by police marksmen during a shoot-out at his home, an inquest heard yesterday.
Mark Saunders, 32, a divorce specialist, was killed after holing himself up in his £2.2 million London flat armed with his shotgun on Tuesday night.
Armed police moved in after he fired shots at neighbours in the wealthy square in Chelsea.
He
was shot in the head, the heart and the liver with bullets from several police weapons, an inquest at Westminster Coroner's Court heard.
Coroner's officer Lynda Morris told the hearing Mr Saunders did not suffer any injuries from his own shotgun.
She said: "The multiple gunshot wounds present are associated with severe internal damage to the brain, heart, liver and main vein of the lower body. The external and internal gunshot-related damage is consistent with a minimum of five shots having hit the deceased.
"The nature of the wound and the projectile material recovered from the body suggests that more than one type of bullet has hit the deceased and further information will become available on this point."
Mrs Morris was reading from a preliminary report prepared by pathologist Dr Nathaniel Carey yesterday.
Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Osborne, of the directorate of professional standards, told the court his officers were at the scene during the siege and took over when Mr Saunders died.
He said: "The death of any individual is regrettable. In such circumstances as these it makes it even more traumatic for those involved."
Coroner Dr Paul Knapman adjourned the inquest for four months until 9 September.
Mr Saunders's wife, Elizabeth Clarke, has said that she and her husband had a "strong union" and were "deeply committed to each other". She denied reports she was at home with him immediately before the five-hour stand-off.
Mr Saunders, a former member of the Territorial Army, reportedly had a drink problem and suffered from depression.
But he was able to obtain a firearms licence, and a legally registered shotgun was recovered from his home.
His father, Rodney Saunders, 64, said the shoot-out was an "absolute mystery" and has reportedly criticised police handling of the siege.
He and his wife, Rosemary, said yesterday their son would always be remembered by them as caring and considerate.
In a statement, they said: "Everyone who knew and loved Mark appreciated his warmth, generosity and sheer energy for life.
"He was a very talented and sociable person whose enthusiasm and charm touched so many people.
"We will always remember him as a caring, considerate and loving son and brother.
"We are devastated at our tragic loss and would like to be left alone to grieve at this time."
The full article contains 463 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
