A TAXI driver was found dead in a car with shotgun wounds to his head and two suicide notes, an inquest heard yesterday.

Father-of-one Daniel Andrew Taylor, 36, suffered financial problems 18 months before his death, when he lost his job as a heavy goods vehicle driver, the inquest was told.

After working at a supermarket, he became a taxi driver. But marital problems deepened his misery, culminating in a separation from his wife in February.

Four days later, Mr Taylor, of Cobden Street, Darlington, was found in the car in a lay-by in Merrybent by a man walking his dog. Also found were notes to his wife and son.

Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict that Mr Taylor had taken his own life.