Ex-detective 'blamed wife for ruining him' – inquest

A RETIRED senior detective who died in a fire that destroyed his home after barricading himself into his bedroom told uniformed officers he was going through a “very horrible divorce” and accused his wife of trying to “ruin” him, an inquest heard.

- ROD MINCHIN

Malcolm Baker, 60, an ex-Met Police detective superintendent, died in the blaze which started shortly after police arrived at his home in Somerset on the evening of September 14, 2022 following a call from his wife.

Mr Baker had locked himself in his bedroom and dragged heavy oak furniture in front of the door at his home in Brompton Regis, near Dulverton, after a confrontation with his wife Francesca Onody.

The couple had been married nearly 20 years and had two children together but were in the process of divorcing.

The police had been called several times that summer by Ms Onody because of allegations she made against him of domestic abuse and financial fraud.

The inquest in Wells, Somerset had heard his family were concerned about his heavy drinking and mental health, and he had also begun storing petrol canisters at the property.

Body-worn video camera footage from one of the officers who attended the property was played to the court which recorded Mr Baker's replies to the questions he was being asked.

The Avon and Somerset officer explained he knew Mr Baker was a former Met detective and told him he had the power to force entry to carry out a welfare check.