A father-of-two left a chilling message with her grandfather after killing his ex-girlfriend.
31-year-old Daniel Patten reportedly stabbed Regan Tierney to death at the Greater Manchester home they once shared in June 2019.
Moments after the stabbing, he called his grandfather and confessed, telling him he had to pick his two children up.
Mr. Patten then called the police and informed them that he was about to take his own life by hanging himself.
Officers found him critically injured and rushed him to Salford Royal Hospital where he passed away a few days later.
His father, Neil Patten, told the inquest that he and his family are struggling to come to terms with the devastating incident, as Daniel usually ‘wouldn’t hurt a fly’ and never threatened to harm himself.
Mr. Patten described Daniel as an ‘amazing’ dad to his two children.
“But when Miss Tierney reportedly ended their relationship and asked him to move out, Daniel was absolutely heartbroken,” Mr. Patten told the court.
“He rented a storage unit and put his belongings in there. He was concerned about the separation and not being able to see his children. He said he had realized the split was definite and he knew she was seeing someone else. He was destroyed,” Mr. Patten continued.
“He was absolutely heartbroken.”
The inquest heard that the father-of-two, who had a history of anxiety and depression, was still getting access to his children. He had set up a family group chat and was already planning to move to a new apartment.
But days before his death, his vibrant mood may have been tainted by Facebook posts relating to Miss Tierney’s new boyfriend.
His friend, Marc Phillips, told the court that when he texted Daniel asking if he was coming to the gym, he got a reply saying: “No mate, head’s gone.”
Days earlier, Mr. Philipps said he had also received a text from Daniel saying his children would be ‘better off’ without him but he viewed it as a ‘passing’ remark.
Coroner Dr. Alan Walsh said he believed Mr. Patten had ‘snapped’ and that his actions on the night he took his own life were ‘completely out of character.’
“He had a turbulent relationship but he was a devoted father and all he ever wanted was a happy family with Regan and their two children. They had their problems but they got back together many times,” Mr Walsh said.
“The break-up a short time before their deaths was catastrophic because he acknowledged this was the final split. He was supported by his friends and family.
“It would appear he still had contact with his children and was looking for a flat and was working hard. He was trying to find a new life but it was likely he was dwelling on what he had seen on Facebook and what he had heard. It is clear he was aware of her new relationship.
“He gained access into the home and I am satisfied that Regan sustained injuries. Daniel then closed the garage door and made a phone call. He rang her grandfather to say ‘you need to come and collect the children I have killed Regan’ but didn’t say what he was going to do to himself.
“I am satisfied that he intended to take his own life.”
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