Farmer shoots mother before killing himself ‘because of fear about caring for animals in lockdown’ 

Farmer, 59, shoots his mother dead before killing himself ‘because he was worried about caring for his animals during lockdown’

  • Farmer John Bound, 59, shot mother Gwendoline Christine Bound, 80, in March
  • The pair were found dead at their home in Abergwili, Carmarthenshire, Wales
  • Mr Bound had told relatives he was worried about lockdown restrictions
  • For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 

A son shot his own mother dead before turning the gun on himself – because he was worried about caring for his animals during lockdown.

Farmer John Bound, 59, and mother Gwendoline Christine Bound, 80, were found dead at their home in the village of Abergwili, Carmarthenshire, Wales, in March.

An inquest heard Mrs Bound – known as Christine – had been shot in the chest and Mr Bound was killed by head injuries.

The pair were found dead just eight days after lockdown started in March.

Farmer John Bound, 59, shot his own mother dead before turning the gun on himself – because he was worried about caring for his animals during lockdown

Bound and mother Gwendoline Christine Bound, 80, were found dead at their home in the village of Abergwili, Carmarthenshire, in Wales

Bound and mother Gwendoline Christine Bound, 80, were found dead at their home in the village of Abergwili, Carmarthenshire, in Wales

Their inquest heard sheep farmer Mr Bound had told relatives he was worried about lockdown restrictions.

He had said he was concerned restrictions on leaving home would affect his ability to check on the welfare of his animals and he had said ‘he didn’t know how he would cope’.

Mr Bound had told relatives he was worried about lockdown restriction

Mr Bound had told relatives he was worried about lockdown restrictions

Mr Bound – known as Johnny – was described as ‘devoted to his mother’, who he lived with. 

The hearing was told that she often said ‘she would not have been able to cope without his help.’

Mrs Bound was well-known after working in the local post office and the sweet shop before retiring.

Mr Bound owned three shotguns and two rifles which he used to control the rabbit population on his smallholding.

Acting senior coroner Paul Bennett said: ‘There must have been something that triggered John to get his shotgun.’

But Mr Bennett said there was no suggestion it was ‘premeditated or planned’.

He recorded a conclusion that Mrs Bound had been unlawfully killed and Mr Bound’s death was suicide.

Mr Bennett said: ‘Their deaths had undoubtedly left their family utterly devastated. I hope they are reminded of how they lived their lives and not how they tragically died.’

The Bound family released a statement in the days following the deaths, conveying their ‘great sadness’ at what had happened.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. 

Leave a Comment