THE former director of agricultural shop SCATS shot himself in the head, an inquest heard.

Mark Walford, 86, was found in his garden at Down Farm Lane, in Headbourne Worthy, by his carer, Lesley Webber.

Ms Webber said it was clear he had taken his own life when she found him on May 15 – ten days after he had undergone knee surgery.

Det Con Craig Ferguson, who was called to the scene with an armed response unit, said there were no signs of foul play and described it as “a very tragic incident”.

Senior Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short said: “I’m satisfied this was self-inflicted and I’m sure he intended to kill himself given the way in which he died.”

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Short added Mr Walford was clearly “in a state to make a rational decision”.

“I hear there was no note or other explanation as to why he may have chosen this action,” he said. “He knew his own mind.”