A MAN who was depressed about losing his mother and getting lung cancer killed himself on a railway line.

Keith Robinson, 56, stood in front of a GNER Glasgow to King's Cross express travelling at 115mph on the East Coast mainline, near Kimblesworth viaduct, a few miles from Durham City, in July. Mr Robinson, of Priory Flats, Durham City, died of multiple injuries and was identified by his fingerprints, an inquest heard yesterday. A verdict of suicide was returned by the Durham inquest jury.

FOUND HANGED: A verdict of suicide was returned at an inquest at County Hall, Durham City, yesterday, on Scott Fisher, 24, of Penrith, Cumbria, who was found hanged in Durham Prison after creating his own ligature on June 26.

TEEN DEATH: A teenager died yesterday when he collided with a taxi. William Andrew Hunter, 16, of Winton Way, North Kenton, Newcastle, was crossing the A696 to Black Callerton at 1.20am. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Station Taxis, of Darlington, has confirmed the vehicle involved was one of its fleet. Witnesses are asked to call police on 0191-214 6555.

MAN ATTACKED: A 39-year-old Sunderland man is recovering after being beaten by a gang in Ashdown Road, in the city. The attack happened at 7.15pm on Wednesday. Police are keen to trace the occupants of two vehicles which drove past at the time. Anyone with information should contact 0191-454 7555, extension 66244.

JETTY FIRE: A project to restore a wooden jetty suffered a setback yesterday when it was damaged by fire. The fire brigade attended the blaze at the 100m long structure in Blackett Street, Hebburn, South Tyneside, at 5am. They used the fire boat to extinguish the flames.

CHARGES DROPPED: A racehorse trainer had charges against him dropped when he appeared before magistrates yesterday. Karl Burke, of Spigot Lodge, near Middleham, North Yorkshire, faced charges of driving without a licence and insurance. Both were withdrawn when he produced the documents for Richmond magistrates. Charges of failing to produce the documents were also withdrawn after he told magistrates he had tried to allow police to examine them, only to find the station at Leyburn unmanned.

DARIUS TICKETS: Pop Idol Darius is to perform at Newcastle City Hall on Tuesday, May 6. Tickets priced £18.50 are on sale at box office on 0191-261 2606, or on the 24-hour ticket hotline on 0870 7355000.