Speight's father tells of heartache

The father of Wolverhampton TV presenter Mark Speight today opened his heart about the spiral of tragedy that claimed the lives of his son, soon-to-be daughter-in-law and his ex-wife.

Oliver Speight spoke of Mark's drug-taking, arrest after the death of his fiancee Natasha Collins, and eventual suicide.

Former Regis School and Tettenhall College pupil Mark, who fronted BBC art show SMart, was found hanged at Paddington railway station in April – five days into the inquest of his fiancee who died after a cocaine and alcohol binge.

Property developer Oliver, who has homes in Birmingham and France, said he suspected his 42-year-old son was taking drugs.

"I had my suspicions; the money was going so fast out of his account. Then in a couple of telephone conversations, he sounded different, distant, and I began to suspect. I'm not blind to people's failings.

"Whatever the reasons for the drugs, Mark bitterly regretted taking them and did not introduce Natasha to using them."

Mark and 31-year-old Natasha were planning to marry this year in the Caribbean and start a family. But Mark's world fell apart after Natasha was found dead in a scalding bath on January 3.

Oliver was driving on the M6 when he heard of Miss Collins's death and his son's arrest on suspicion of murder and supply of drugs – charges which were later dropped.

"When I walked into the solicitor's office two days later, he gave me a hug that I shall never forget. We looked at each other for a few seconds, and although we said nothing in that moment, we had never had a look as intense as that before – it was a father-and-son exchange which just said everything.

"Then I wrapped my arms around him, and he clung to me. I said 'Mark, I am 110 per cent behind you'. I wanted to help him to stay strong but he was in a state.

"Over the next few weeks and months, the fact that he had slept as she died weighed upon him more and more."

On April 7, Mark rang his 67-year-old mother Jacqui at her home in Tettenhall Wood to say how much he loved his family. Later that same day, he committed suicide, leaving a note that read: "I have tried to carry the load but the burden is too heavy. I love my family and Tash's very much. I am sorry I can't be strong any more." Three weeks ago, Mrs Speight suffered a suspected stroke at her home.

"In the days after her death, we had to go back to the same funeral directors, into the same room where Mark had lain some four months earlier, and say goodbye to Jacqui. It took every ounce of strength and dignity but, again, it was my duty," Oliver said.

"I'm not angry with Mark. I still speak out loud to him and say 'Oh Mark, why now?' I don't ask 'Why did you do it?'

"But Jacqui kept asking that. She was so dignified externally but I don't think she could ever accept what had happened to her beloved son."