TNAG-1101-FCO40-1351-Legislation-on-homosexuality-in-Hong-Kong-including--Report--1981 — Page 291

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John Richard MacLennon

(b) Whether the injuries appear homicidal, suicidal or accidental.

Self-inflicted have certain characteristics

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they are contact,

i.e. with the muzzle of the gun pressed into or against the body at the moment of discharge.

The entry wounds are in well defined areas of the body known as the sites of election". Where the self inflicted wounds are in the

head the sites of election are over small and well defined areas but when they are situated on the chest they may be inflicted over or around the "heart area".

All five wounds are contact.

All but one are situated in the "heart area".

Although it is more common for only one shot to be fired

multiple shots are not rare.

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In cases where multiple shots occur the question may arise concerning how long the suicide may be capable of volitional and purposeful movement after the infliction of a fatal injury. In cases where the heart is rendered completely functionless after its disruption by a high velocity missile volitional and purposeful movement may be maintained for 20 30 seconds. Where there is a single wound in the heart inflicted with a low velocity weapon the survival will depend upon several factors but the suicide would certainly be capable of firing several shots. In many cases of multiple self inflicted gunshot wounds, only one shot is fatal whilst the others move from the site of infliction although two or three wounds through the heart with a .38 pistol are not rare,

The wounds on MacLennon have all the characteristics of deliberate self-infliction and when these wounds are considered in the light of the circumstances at the scene (locked doors, apparent suicide note) there can be no doubt in my opinion that MacLennon killed himself,

(c)

Influence of drugs or alcohol.

A blood alcohol of 52 mgms% would not have any significant effect upon a person used to social drinking. It is regrettable that no urine was available for examination as the urine alcohol level may have given an indication of when the alcohol was taken. No drugs were found in the blood.

(d)

Evidence of homosexual behaviour.

Evidence of homosexual behaviour will only be found in persons who are regular passive partners in buggery. Occasional acts are unlikely to produce any changes. Identification of a passive male