Rope used in suicide is returned to widow

BARRY, Wales, March 28 (UPI) -- A widow says she was horrified when she realized Welsh police had included the rope her husband used to commit suicide when they gave her his other effects.

Vale of Glamorgan police have apologized to Angie Gerrelli for what one high-ranking officer called a "very unfortunate incident," The Guardian reported. Her estranged husband, John Gilmore, 50, hanged himself in November in a park in Barry, and his belongings were handed over after an inquest.

"I reached into the bag and took out the laptop, and then I saw yellow and realized what I had in my hand. I went to pieces; I just sank to the floor. I dropped it and put my hands to my face," Gerrelli said.

The couple, parents of a teenage son, had been separated for four years at the time of Gilmore's death. But Gerrelli discovered that when he died he had a picture in his wallet that showed them together.

"This was a very unfortunate incident and I would like to apologize for any distress caused as a result," said Chief Inspector Jay Dave. "The officers concerned will be spoken to about this and steps will be put in place to ensure that there will be no repeat."