Tragedy of man, 27, who had a financial crisis after losing job

HE’D REQUESTED HELP FROM SIBLING AND FRIENDS, INQUEST TOLD

A BURTON man took his own life while suffering “financial pressures” so severe he had no electricity in his home, an inquest heard.

In the days leading up to his death, Gentaris Sventoratis, 27, had sent Facebook messages to friends and family asking for £10 or £20 for his electricity after losing his employment.

Mr Sventoratis was last seen by his brother three days before he was found.

An inquest held on Wednesday heard that Mr Sventoratis’ brother had entered his home in Blakeholme Court on July 12, where he found him hanged in his bedroom.

PC Craig Thompson, from Burton Police Station, gave evidence virtually during the inquest, confirming the police found no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

PC Thompson said: “He was last seen three says before he was discovered by his brother.

“There was communication via Facebook Messenger three days before he was found. He was requesting some money from his brother and friends [in the sum of] £10 or £20 to pay for his electricity.”

PC Thompson said police were called to his address by West Midlands Ambulance Service who had been called by Mr Sventoratis’ brother.

PC Thompson told the inquest there was nothing obvious to suggest he wanted to kill himself, but said his brother told officers he had recently lost his job, did not have any money and was asking for money from friends.

The officer added: “He may have been in a desperate position from not having finances.

“When officers tried to turn on the lights, as it was quite a dark flat, none were working, which would suggest he had no electricity.”

The inquest heard Mr Sventoratis had not left a farewell note.

South Staffordshire coroner Andrew Haigh said: “The most likely reason for doing this was when he had lost his job, he had no money and had no electricity in his home.

“Financial pressures are the main factor here. I believe he intended to kill himself and has done so.”

Mr Haigh gave the cause of death as hanging and recorded a verdict of suicide.

If you need help:

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline for men who are down and who need to talk or find information and support. The service is open from 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Depression Alliance (depressionalliance.org) is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a range of useful resources and links to other relevant information The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope with depression, anxiety or panic attacks. You can call the charity between 8pm and 6am.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org