Open verdict on man discovered hanged
windows to the property were secure apart from an upstairs rear window, which was open.
He called for assistance to force entry and inside they found the deceased upstairs.
Detective Sergeant Lianne MacFarlane said there was no evidence of third-party involvement or struggle and no injuries other than the ligature mark, and she ruled out foul play.
A post mortem examination carried out by pathologist Dr Jasna Krajacevic recorded the cause of death as hanging.
Toxicology tests conducted by Nicola Martin found no drugs or alcohol in the deceased’s blood or urine.
Misadventure due to autoasphyxiation was ruled out due to a lack of evidence.
Medical evidence from his general practitioner Dr Sharon Chapelhouse and the Six Degrees mental health social enterprise showed David had been treated for depression last year following a relationship break-up but he had responded well to the services provided, taking up running ● and throwing himself into work around his house, to which he had moved in October 2017.
Debra Frazer, of Six Degrees, said David had divulged during one his sessions that he did not feel like he had achieved much and had lost interest in his hobbies, as well as revealing he had occasionally asked himself ‘what’s the point of living’ but denied having any intention to harm himself.
But by August last year, he reported ‘feeling much better’ and had become more active, which he said ‘had a positive impact on his mood’. There had been an instance in which he tied something round his neck, but this was believed to be an ‘isolated incident’
He was prescribed the antidepressant sertraline but an unopened box found at his home when he died suggested he had not been taking it.
The inquest heard that David was not a smoker and nor had he lived among smokers but suffered from asthma.
Despite that, he joined a running club based in Sandymoor, and overcame initial lower levels of fitness to complete a half-marathon a few weeks before his death.
Keith Roots, David’s father, told the inquest that his son had been a respected CCTV and fire systems design engineer, for which he travelled around the country and had worked on Media City in Manchester, as well as being sought out for his seal of approval for completed jobs.
He said that far from not achieving anything as David had reprimanded himself, Keith Roots said his son had travelled the world on his own, was held in high regard in his job and had overcome an initial fitness struggle to become a popular member of his running club and distance runner.
Fifty-four fellow running club members attended David’s funeral, he said. THE NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to. ● Samaritans operates a 24-hour service on available every day of the year by calling 116 123, and an email service is available at jo@samaritans.org ● Childline, 0800 1111, runs a helpline for
Keith Roots said David had told him at times that he ‘felt low’ but had never mentioned thoughts about taking his own life and appeared to be planning for the future: fitting out his house and helping his brother out with DIY as well as hosting a barbecue for the three of them with plans to host another for a bigger group at a later date.
The last time he spoke to his son was on Monday, May 14, when David rang him and said he was thinking of taking in a lodger, which Keith Roots thought was a good idea as long as he went to a reputable agency.
Coroner Mrs Welch recorded an open conclusion for David’s death, telling the hearing that although it was clear he had intended to tie a ligature around his neck, it was not possible on the balance of probabilities to say whether he intended to take his own life or if it was a ‘deliberate act of self harm that had gone wrong’.
She offered her condolences to his parents, who had attended the hearing. children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number do not show up in the phone bill. ● PAPYRUS, 0800 068 4141, is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal. ● Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It does not have a helpline, but offers resources and links to other relevant information. ● Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. ● Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.