Man killed himself 3 days after finding girlfriend dead following ‘disgusting’ false rumours he was involved her death
A BOYFRIEND took his own life over “disgusting” false rumours he was involved in his girlfriend’s tragic death.
Craig Daffern, 35, was the victim of “cruel” allegations he had a part to play in the death of Jenny Shanley.
He had found the 36-year-old dead in their en-suite bathroom at home in Westby, Lancashire, on January 11, 2022.
Craig was found hanged three days later after telling friends “I’ve had enough”.
His pals have now said the rumours surrounding Jenny’s death are what led him to take his own life, Lancs Live reports.
A pathologist told an inquest this week there was no evidence of any injury or that Jenny had been the victim of an assault.
She had ongoing financial worries and had previously taken an overdose following the breakdown of her marriage to the father of her children.
The hearing was told Jenny had taken cocaine in the week leading up to her death and had been drinking the night before.
Senior Coroner Alan Wilson ruled she took her own life, saying she “would not have died had it not been for the cocaine use”.
Craig was reported missing three days after Jenny’s death when friends and family failed to get in touch with him.
He was later found hanged near a telephone exchange building, a previous inquest into his death was told.
One of Craig’s best friends said: “If you were to ask me why Craig did what he did I’d say it’s because of the disgusting allegations that were made on social media after Jenny died.
“He was being blamed for what happened to her but all of their friends know that Craig would never have hurt Jenny.
“At Jenny’s inquest the coroner made it clear that Craig had nothing to do with Jenny’s death and we just hope that will be an end to it now. It’s just a total tragedy.
“After Jenny’s death Craig talked to his friends about what people were saying on social media and it absolutely broke him.
“He was pushed to suicide by those comments and I can’t even begin to imagine how he felt when he took his own life.”
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It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
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- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
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The friend said she hopes those who spread the false rumours about Craig now “realise the consequences of their actions”.
Speaking after Jenny’s inquest, Craig’s heartbroken sister Heather thanked everyone who supported the landscape gardener.
She added: “We are all still heartbroken beyond belief but in time we will come to terms with this utter tragedy of losing such a happy couple who loved each other so much.
“Craig loved Jennifer and simply couldn’t live without her and we hope everyone can now move forward.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.