A FORMER armed robber who is believed to have shot himself had threatened to take his life at a court hearing only a few days before his death.

It is thought Jonathon Longstaff, 33, from Shildon, County Durham, had a long history of depression dating back to before he was jailed for seven years for armed robbery, in 1992.

Mr Longstaff's body was found after a search near New Moors Farm, Evenwood Gate, County Durham, in the early hours of February 1.

He had suffered gunshot wounds and a shotgun was lying beside his body.

Armed police and dog units began the search after Mr Longstaff's father raised concerns about his son's welfare.

A few days before his death, Mr Longstaff had threatened to kill himself in an outburst at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, on January 26

He was pleading not guilty to charges of urinating in a public place and possessing £120 in counterfeit notes.

He also admitted obstructing a police officer and was fined £50 and ordered to pay £50 compensation. Throughout the hearing he was in an agitated state. He told the court he was finding it hard to keep going and would kill himself.

A police spokesman said: "We will be detailing all circumstances surrounding his death and these will be presented in a full report to the coroner."

In 1992, Mr Longstaff was sentenced to seven years imprisonment after admitting stealing £3,560 in an armed robbery at Binchester Post Office.

Mr Longstaff left the village postmistress and her 71-year-old mother traumatised when he carried out the raid with a shotgun.

At the time, Mr Longstaff's solicitor said he had turned to crime after suffering an extreme reaction to the death of his mother and had become depressed and suicidal.

An opening inquest into Mr Longstaff's death is due to take place today at 2pm at Darlington Magistrates' Court.