A MAN suffering stress due to work and money troubles hanged himself in woodland, an inquest heard.

A walker spotted the body of 52-year-old Darryl Gent off Wood Lane, in Ferryhill, on Saturday, November 16, last year.

Det Sgt Paul Faulkner, of Spennymoor serious crime team, told the hearing at Crook Civic Centre today (Wednesday, February 26) that Mr Gent’s vehicle was found nearby.

A ‘life’ note was found inside and when police spoke to his wife, Julie, they discovered he had been missing from home where he had left another note.

Det Sgt Faulkner said Mr Gent, of Spennymoor, had been suffering with stress prior to his death due to a financial problem and an investigation at work.

He said: “He had gone to hospital because of chest pains he had been feeling which the hospital put down to stress.”

Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict of suicide.