A MAN hanged himself after falling into a deep state of depression due to the death of his mother, an Inquest heard. John Attwood, 66, had become relied upon by his mother and Walthamstow Coroners Court was told how his world collapsed when she died. A ca

A MAN hanged himself after falling into a deep state of depression due to the death of his mother, an Inquest heard.

John Attwood, 66, had become relied upon by his mother and Walthamstow Coroners Court was told how his world collapsed when she died.

A carer and a friend discovered Mr Attwood's body on Saturday, March 15, this year at his home in Castle Road, Dagenham.

His brother Peter, from Bury St Edmonds, said how John had found it very difficult to cope with losing their mum when she died in 2007.

He said: "When mum was alive he used to talk about doing things in the future like travelling to Ireland but after she died he didn't want to do anything at all.

"I used to contact him at least once a week and although he never said he was going to kill himself he did hint that he did not want to be around in the future, he would say things like 'I won't be here long'".

Mr Attwood's depression became so severe that he made two serious attempts at self harm and was taken into Mascalls Park mental health home. He was also given a number of drugs to battle his depressive illness.

After six months of treatment at Mascalls Park Mr Attwood was allowed to return to his home with a very thorough care package which included Meals on Wheels and a visit from a carer twice per day.

It was on Saturday, March 15, that carer, Janet Jevoah, noticed that something was wrong.

She said: "I had been to the house in the morning and came back at about 7pm, but no-one answered."

Miss Jevoah went to see a neighbour who had a key for the house to make sure everything was alright; together they let themselves in and found Mr Attwood's body.

They phoned the police but it was too late and Mr Attwood was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard how there were no suspicious circumstances and medical reports confirmed that the cause of death was suspension.

Coroner Dr Elizabeth Stearns said: "I offer my sympathy to the family in what must have been a very difficult time for them, my verdict is that he killed himself while suffering from a depressive illness.