Tragedy of painter who died at home
INQUEST HEARS 29-YEAR-OLD STRUGGLED AFTER BREAK-UP
A POPULAR painter and decorator took his own life after his relationship with his girlfriend broke down, an inquest has heard.
The body of Paul Chatterton, 29, was found in his home in Worcester Road, west Hull, in May just a few weeks after the break-up with his partner.
The inquest at Hull Coroners’ Court heard Paul, who worked with his dad as a decorator, was “devastated” after the relationship ended.
Beverley-born Paul and his girlfriend had met in April 2013 and were a couple by June 2019, but later split in April 2020.
The inquest heard the break-up hit Paul hard and was devastated after the relationship ended.
His mum Lesley said: “Paul was devastated with the break-up and would continuously analyse how the relationship ended.”
She added that Paul often asking his family for their opinions on the relationship and regularly texting and calling her.
Mrs Chatterton said that Paul’s mood would often depend on the outcome of the calls and texts with his ex-partner and after speaking to her, he’d often say “same old same” or “not good”.
Concerns had grown for his safety when he did not arrive for a dinner at his mum’s house despite telling her if she “was doing Yorkshire puddings, I definitely am”. His phone also went unanswered.
It was later discovered that Paul had an argument with his ex via text message, which resulted in her cancelling a planned meeting between the pair.
The inquest heard from a neighbour who had seen Paul the day before his death.
He said: “I saw Paul the previous morning sat out on the decking in the garden and he appeared happy and said hello to us, he didn’t appear any different.”
Mr Lyons was alerted the following day, May 12, at 10.30am, by Mrs Chatterton arriving at the house concerned for her son.
An ambulance was quickly called, but paramedics confirmed Paul had died.
PC Richard Mccoy, who attended the scene shortly after paramedics, said that Paul’s mother, father and sister were in attendance.
Paul’s sister who was described by PC Daniel Garbutt as “visibly shocked and upset at the loss of her brother”, identified Paul.
Speaking of Paul, his mother told the court: “Paul being the youngest, he had three elder sisters, he was always crawling and climbing on future and was naturally curious and always wanted to know how things happened.”
He was a pupil at Anlaby Primary
School before attending Wolfreton where “he had loads of friends”, but didn’t particularly enjoy school.
Paul later signed up and attended Hull College and did on the job training with his dad, joining him in his trade as a painter and decorator and building up a good rapport with customers.
Paul’s death was ruled by the coroner as suicide by hanging.
After his death there was an outpouring of tributes from friends across Hull.