A MAN was found hanging in his mother's bedroom the night before he was due to appear in court to face drink-driving charges.
Mark Shillito's body was found late last Thursday night by his partner, Paula Edgcumbe, after he failed to return to her home.
The 31-year-old had suffered depression for a long time, an inquest heard yesterday, at Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court.
Miss Edgcumbe told South Durham Coroner Colin Penna that Mr Shillito had problems from a previous relationship, and was also concerned about his mother who was ill.
Miss Edgcumbe and her father went to the house in Salvin Street, Spennymoor, where they found the body. A letter was discovered at Miss Edgcumbe's home.
Mr Penna said: "It appears that Mr Shillito was suffering from depression."
He recorded a verdict that Mr Shillito took his own life.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article