Shots that killed London barrister Mark Saunders were lawfully fired by police during an armed siege at his Chelsea home in May 2008, a jury at his inquest has decided.

The stand-off was triggered when the 32-year-old returned to his Markham Square home in a drunken state and fired a shotgun through the window.

Jurors at Westminster Coroner's Court ruled Scotland Yard marksmen had acted in a lawful, proportionate and reasonable manner at the conclusion of a two-and-half-week inquest.

The jury said it was not sure Mr Saunders "deliberately and consciously" committed 'suicide by cop' by using his shotgun to provoke police to shoot him.

The hearing was told the gunman said he expected to die several times during the evening but that he was extremely drunk and may have been in a fantasy world.

The jury said more detailed consideration should have been given by police commanders at an early stage in the siege to using his wife Elizabeth or friend Michael Bradley to defuse the confrontation.

Both his wife and Mr Bradley asked to speak to the gunman, who also wanted to contact them, but they were told it was too dangerous and to switch off their mobile phones.

This was despite the fact that Mr Saunders called Mr Bradley at about 7pm.

Mrs Saunders later found he had sent her a blank text message but her phone was off.

The jury found insufficient weight was given after Mr Saunders fired his shotgun through his window at 9.09pm to the fact that he was a vulnerable alcoholic.

But it added that this did not make a contribution to his death.

In a legal ruling that can now be revealed, Coroner Dr Paul Knapman said there was not enough evidence to prove unlawful killing and did not give the jury the option.

In a statement after the verdict, Mrs Saunders said: "From the day Mark died I have been committed to ensuring that the circumstances of his death should be subjected to a thorough and independent investigation.

"I did not approach the process with any pre-determined conclusions and I respect the verdict of a jury who have carefully considered all the evidence.

"I spoke at length about Mark when I gave my evidence. He was a loving and much loved husband, son, brother and friend.

"He is very much missed by all who knew and cared about him."

Mr Saunders' parents and sister Charlotte left the inquest and got into a taxi without commenting to waiting media.

A source close to the family said they remain "extremely upset" and are considering what to do next.

One person who has supported them throughout the hearing said: "It is some sort of closure, but the feelings are very raw."

Sky News reporter Alistair Bunkall, at the inquest, said police believed that if they had allowed him to speak to his wife, he would have simply taken the opportunity "to say goodbye".

In a joint statement released on their behalf, the Metropolitan Police firearms officers involved in the operation said they wanted to "express their heartfelt respects to the family".

They added: "Since May 6, 2008, they have awaited the inquest to give their account of what actions they took and why they took them.

"All involved only ever wanted a peaceful resolution to the incident.

"Firearms officers are all volunteers, they perform a unique role in policing.

"They place themselves between the public and harm's way. Nothing can adequately prepare a police officer for the actual taking of someone's life.

"They all joined the police service to protect the public and save life."