A man with a history of alcoholism and mental health issues took his own life, an inquest heard.

Alex Curry, 33, from Stanley, died in a wooded area at the back of his home in Whinside, Stanley, in the early hours of January 29.

Crook Coroners’ Court heard a post-mortem examination at the RVI mortuary in Newcastle concluded the cause of death was pressure on the neck to due to hanging.

Toxicology tests showed there was alcohol in his system at the time.

The inquest was told Mr Curry suffered from depression and was known to drink several litres of cider a day.

The court heard he had a history of self-harm and suicidal ideation and had been in the care of Tees, Esk and Wear Valley Mental Health Trust with 16 referrals since 2010.

Peter Corbett, part of the early intervention team who dealt with Mr Curry, said there was nothing to suggest he posed an immediate risk to himself at the time of his death.

The inquest was told messages to a friend in the hours before he died made his intentions clear.  

His father, Andrew, giving evidence at the hearing, said Mr Curry had tried unsuccessfully to give up drinking before he died.

He said: “He wanted to be helped but he though this was his only way out.   

“He had had enough.”

Senior Assistant Coroner Crispin Oliver recorded a verdict of suicide.

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