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Probe into Shields OAP's 'assisted death'
FRIENDS of a South Tyneside man at the centre of an assisted suicide investigation today told of their shock and sadness.
Two people have been quizzed by police over the death of South Shields man Douglas Sinclair on July 28.
Mr Sinclair, 76, died after allegedly deciding to take his own life with the help of the controversial Dignitas clinic in Zurich, Switzerland.
Today his best friend John Wear, who knew the keen golfer for more than 20 years, described him as a "cracking guy."
Mr Sinclair had been cared for at Stapleton House Care Home in Jarrow after he became too ill to look after himself.
Previously he lived in Highfield Road, South Shields. His wife Monica is said to have died from leukaemia 10 years ago.
Mr Wear said: "At first when he became ill he thought he had Parkinson's, but it was much worse. Later he became really ill and struggled to walk. He was a smashing bloke, and I'd known him for years.
"He was always a bubbly chap who was a bit of joker. I knew he'd gone to Switzerland with a friend, but that's all I know."
It is understood the father-of-one, who was suffering from the rare debilitating disorder multiple system atrophy for two years, chose to take his own life after his body began to shut down.
After his death, Mr Douglas's body was brought back to South Tyneside, and his funeral took place at the Holy Rosary Church, in Horsley Hill, South Shields, last week.
Coun Gordon Finch, who knew Mr Sinclair as a regular at The Fountain pub added: "It was a huge shock when we heard he had died.
"He was a really nice man who everyone in the Fountain knew.
"It is really sad what has happened. He was such a lovely bloke, so it's sad he had to go that way. He must have been in a lot of pain."
A 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man from South Shields have been arrested on suspicion of assisting a suicide.
It is understood they were questioned after arriving back in the country from Switzerland.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man from South Shields have been arrested on suspicion of intentionally doing an act to assist or encourage suicide after the death of a 76-year-old man in Switzerland.
"Both have been bailed pending further enquiries."
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Weather for Jarrow
Monday 21 May 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
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