The Coroner says a man who stabbed himself four times in the chest didn't want to die, but has ruled the death a suicide.
Richard McElrea says Tony Crammond killed himself in Timaru in July 2012 after assaulting his partner at her house.
The 44-year-old had spent the day drinking there and was also under the influence of cannabis.
Mr McElrea said while he was being taken to hospital, Mr Crammond said that he didn't want to die.
However, he said Mr Crammond knew that his actions would probably be fatal and ruled the death a suicide.
The Coroner has allowed details of the death to be publicised, saying its circumstances have raised public concern that other people might be responsible.
