A CARPENTER stabbed his wife to death before taking his own life, an inquest has heard.

The bodies of Richard Pitkin, 65, and his 58-year-old wife Sarah were found at the home where their four children also lived.

Mrs Pitkin was discovered dead on the bed and had suffered multiple stab wounds, while her husband’s body was found hanging nearby.

Suffolk Coroners’ Court heard how the couple had been married for 37 years, but Sarah had recently moved out of the family home.

Sarah was raised in the Harwich area and went to Harwich School.

Friends who remember her described her as friendly and bubbly.

Det Supt David Cutler, of Suffolk Police, told the inquest in Ipswich yesterday officers and paramedics were called to the property in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on February 26.

He said: “Everything points to Richard murdering Sarah before taking his own life.”

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Mrs Pitkin had suffered multiple stab wounds.

The couple moved to the the sleepy market town in 2009, to fulfill their dream of running a tea room.

But the business is believed to have failed two years ago, when Richard set up his own carpentry firm and Sarah went to work in a charity shop.

A friend, who did not wish to be named, said previously: “They were very different to each other but they got along.

“Sarah was more outgoing. Richard was a really hard worker, one of those people who liked being really busy.

“They always seemed like a lovely couple.”

The coroner Dr Peter Dean adjourned the hearing to allow police investigations into their death to continue.

He also offered his condolences to the couple’s family and friends.