An Otley solicitor drove to the moors and shot himself instead of attending a work meeting to explain professional irregularities', an inquest heard today.

Father of four Philip Walker, 53, had just returned from a family holiday in Greece with his wife, Andrea, the hearing in Harrogate was told.

In a statement read to the hearing by Coroner Geoff Fell, Mrs Walker said that on the morning of his death in August this year Mr Walker, of West Lane, Askwith, had received a telephone call asking him to attend a meeting at work.

"Everything seemed fine and normal," said Mrs Walker.

He left for work but did not arrive. Instead his secretary telephoned Mrs Walker and related a message she had received from him to the effect that there had been an accident' on Askwith Moor.

Mr Walker's car, containing a note was found then his body was discovered. He had died from a shotgun wound to the chest.

"The police are satisfied no-one else was involved," said Mr Fell.

Mr Fell said that he had seen correspondence and read a statement from Mr Walker's work colleagues saying that the meeting had been called to obtain an explanation for some irregularities which had come to light.

"People were looking for an explanation," Mr Fell said.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Fell, added: "I have read notes left by Philip which make his intention quite clear."

Mr Walker had been a partner with Atkinson Dacre in Boroughgate, Otley, for more than 20 years. He was the son of retired judge Harry Walker, also of Askwith.