A MAN hanged himself just weeks after pretending to take two overdoses, a coroner's court heard yesterday.

Colin Hull, 45, of Eden Crescent, Darlington, was found at his home by his brother-in-law John Futers last week.

The court heard that Mr Hull, a removals man, hanged himself after his 13-year relationship with girlfriend, Claire Latcham, ended.

Miss Latcham said there had been problems between them since February and she left because she did not feel safe.

She said that three months before his death, Mr Hull had hung a noose from the loft door and, on two other occasions, he had hidden tablets to lead her to believe he had taken an overdose.

Miss Latcham said Mr Hull had asked her to leave their home the weekend before his death and she took their two children with her.

Mr Futers said Mr Hull had given his sister his cheque books and bank details before he died and, after his death, his work overalls and other belongings were found packed away in his garage.

Recording a verdict of suicide, coroner Colin Penna said: "With everything placed in boxes and giving his bank books and cheques to his sister, it suggests that perhaps he was planning something.

"I have no doubt it was all to do with the break-up with his girlfriend and, although it did not seem to be affecting him, it was certainly on his mind."