AN INSPIRATIONAL teacher, who was suffering from depression and anxiety, was found dead in woods a short walk from the hospital where he was being treated, an inquest heard.

Michael McMonigle had agreed with doctors that he must only take escorted walks from Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham.

But he was found hanging in an area of dense trees at 7.35am, on August 12 last year, by a woman walking to work.

He had been reported missing the previous night.

The Northern Echo:

Balloons were released in Mr McMonigle's name after he died

The 45-year-old, who was a popular teacher at Hurworth School, near Darlington - where he was known as Mr Mac - met his family in the hospital café the previous afternoon and they said goodbye at about 2.30pm.

The alarm was not raised until 10pm that night after he disappeared.

The inquest jury at Crook Coroners’ Court heard on Wednesday that the doctors believed he was with his family and it was not unusual for patients to be allowed out for hours at a time.

Mr McMonigle, of Sherburn Village, near Durham, was admitted to the Farnham ward the week before, after his family raised concerns over his mental health.

It was not the first time he had spent time in the hospital, previously being admitted on June 23 for a month.

Both times he attended on a voluntary basis and during a meeting on August 10 with health professionals, he said that despite a feeling of hopelessness, he wanted to get better and a plan was put in place to help him.

He was classified as being at significant risk of harm but was not considered at the highest level, severe.

Medical staff at the hospital were aware that he was only allowed escorted visits out of the hospital, although it is believed this information was not shared with non-medical staff.

The inquest heard that although doctors were aware Mr McMonigle had a tendency to try to fool people into thinking he was alright, they said he was willing to seek treatment.

Patrick Jollings, a community psychiatric nurse for the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust, said he had made the call to get him readmitted.

“His mum told me that Michael had asked if he could go to the shops but she said 'no' because it was dark and late,” he said.

“She had noticed he was hiding a knife down his side and she was fearful as to what he might do.”

Durham Police officers found personal items belonging to Mr McMonigle at the scene and although two notes were discovered in his room at the hospital, neither were suicide notes.

The inquest continues on Thursday.