A HAMPSHIRE man died after he was found hanging in stables at his home, an inquest heard.

Henry Buckland was found in Bursledon on October 18, and later died at Southampton General Hospital.

Mr Buckland, of 3 Oakdean, Windmill Lane, had visited his GP in July last year with symptoms of depression, Winchester Coroner’s Court heard.

He was given anti-depressants, and was also taking pain relief for his back.

The 44-year-old, who was a father of four, was a self-employed painter and decorator.

In a statement read in court, his wife Tracey Buckland said: “Over the last few years he has started to feel low at times. He has mentioned before that he could not go on.”

Mr Buckland’s son-in-law Jesse Smith said: “He has told me before that he felt low and down at times. 

“He was a private person but he would trust me and and talk to me about anything.”

Speaking about the last time he saw Mr Buckland, Mr Smith continued: “He seemed his normal self and speaking to me.

“Henry seemed fine as well as happy. Nothing was different when I saw him.”

Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short said Mr Buckland was reluctant to accept that he had an illness and that not always taking his antidepressants had contributed to his low mood. 

“It was perhaps a sign of his desperation that he chose to take this step,” he said.

He added that the back pain Mr Buckland was experiencing was “an additional burden on top of his other problems".

He recorded a conclusion of suicide.