The body of Rachel Chapman-Emms was found at her home in the village of Pulham Market by parents, Diana and Michael Emms, after they went to check on her when she failed to turn up at the law firm where she worked.

Her sister, Joanna Emms, said: “There is no way Rachel planned this and the evidence we have seen, alongside what we know as a family, supports that.

“It must have been a flashpoint moment and she acted. Something just snapped in her that morning and the gun was there.”

Rachel Chapman-Emms is said to have 'just snapped' (Image: Supplied by family)

Ms Emms was speaking after the conclusion of an inquest into her 53-year-old sister's death, during which it emerged her GP did not know she had a shotgun license and would have advised her to remove the firearm from her home and report his concerns to police had he known.

Her family also believe that if Ms Chapman-Emms had been aware that the Prozac she was taking for depression had a known side effect of suicidal behaviour, she would have instantly removed the gun from her house.

The inquest, at Norfolk Coroner's Court, was told Ms Chapman-Emms, who had 17-year-old twins and an older son, had experienced a dip in mood following the breakdown of a short-term relationship 

Church Hill Surgery did not know their patient had a shotgun (Image: Google)

But she had been taking her prescribed Prozac as directed and had repeatedly denied having any thoughts of self-harm.

The hearing was told she appeared to be improving in the days before her death, on July 21 last year, and her family say she was making plans for the future.

She had recently received a promotion at Leathes Prior Solicitors, in Norwich, to become legal secretary in the wills, trusts and probate team, something her family said she was immensely proud of.

And they point out that the passionate dog lover had recently bred one of her golden retrievers and was excited to learn if she was expecting puppies - one of many examples, the family say, which suggested she was making plans for the future.

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