David Beech died from smoking cigarettes.

In one of the most heart-wrenching stories of Exclusive Brethren legalism and harsh punishment, ‘fun-loving’ David Beech was brought to a place of complete despair by the Exclusive Brethren and died horrifically at his own hand … because he was a secret smoker.

David had enjoyed the occasional cigarette for many years. One day, his wife Diana discovered a half-empty pack in a closet and asked David whether they belonged to him. David, realising that his 20-year secret had been possibly uncovered, initially lied and said that the cigarettes did not belong to him.

As this sad story of psychological abuse by the Exclusive Brethren unfolds, it becomes clear that perhaps not only cigarettes deserve a Government Health Warning. It is becoming clear to many that breaking an Exclusive Brethren edict can kill you. Read all »