A MAN killed himself less than twelve hours after being released from police custody, an inquest has heard.

Stuart Rees died after he was released by police in the early hours of the morning.

The 51-year-old, from Hamble-Le-Rice, had been released by police on August 10, 2019.

Earlier that month he had been staying with a family friend in Wales when he is said to have taken drugs and drank alcohol before sending texts to a child.

Mr Rees claimed he had no recollection of the texts and upon returning home was arrested on August 9 on suspicion of sending explicit texts to a child.

He was taken to Southampton Central Police Station where he was questioned before being released on bail in the early hours of August 10.

Checks on Mr Rees’ mental health were said to have been made before release and he then got a taxi home.

His partner, Rachel, didn’t realise he had come back until the next morning, when she found his wallet and keys.

Following this she noticed the back door was open, and upon going outside, found Mr Rees had hung himself.

Police and ambulance crews were called but he was pronounced dead that morning.

At an inquest at Portsmouth Coroners Court, his partner said on behalf of the family: “When Stuart was with us he was very much loved.

“He was a partner, a son, a dad, a step-dad, an uncle, a brother and a friend to many. We have all had our lives devastated by his actions and how he died.”

Mr Rees had suffered with undiagnosed anxiety and depression in the past it was claimed and had also had a stroke two years before.

Area coroner, Christopher Wilkinson concluded that Mr Rees had died as a result of suicide in the early hours of the morning.