The sister of a 26-year-old man found dead at home in Bishop Auckland has paid tribute to him in a statement read at an inquest into his death.

Brad Hardy Lewis Sussams took his own life on December 14, 2022 and was found by his stepdad, the hearing was told.

An inquest in Crook, held on Wednesday, June 21, heard that Mr Sussams had struggled with mental health issues in the past.

His sister, Ebony, said her brother been a 'happy little boy' as a child but that had changed when he began using drugs.

Read more: Darlington teaching assistant took his life after marriage breakdown

She said: “He was full of life and so funny.

“As he grew up, he became thoughtful and caring and would always do anything for anybody no matter what it was.

“He loved his family and always managed to cheer everyone up, and he would always put everyone else’s needs before himself."

Read more: Crash between lorry and car leads to police presence, road closure, and delays

She went on to explain that when Mr Sussams was 19 he began using recreational drugs.

She said: “He was a completely different person to how he was brought up.”

The inquest heard that Mr Sussams then began spending his money on drugs, leaving nothing to buy food with.

"He would ask his mother and sister for money and threaten to end his life “at least twice a week.”

In her staement Ebony’s said his drugs use turned him 'from the one of the nicest people in the world to someone you didn’t even recognise'.

Read more: Two vehicles seized in Durham after driving 'erratically and harassing road-users'

She said: “It (drugs) messed with his head and made him paranoid and angry, he’d think things were true and fully believe them.

“He thought everyone was against him and he needed professional help, and I wish he’d received it.

“In the end, he was lonely and unhappy with his life.

“He hated his life and told me how he hated having no food or money.”

To get more stories direct to your email basket go here.

Mr Sussams had been prescribed mirtazapine, an anti-depressant, since early 2021.

The inquest was told there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Sussams.

James Thompson, assistant coroner for County Durham and Darlington, concluded his death was a results of suicide and that on the balance of probabilities, he did intend to take his life.

If you are in need of support, you can contact the following:

- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58

- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.