A MAN whose body was discovered on a jetty on the River Blackwater died as the result of an insulin overdose.

Carl Matthams, 47, was found on the grass jetty between Mayland Creek and Lawling Creek on March 7.

He had been reported missing earlier that morning after he was last seen leaving for work at 6.30am on March 6.

A search was launched by the police, from land and sea, in an attempt to find Mr Matthams.

Tragically it was too late.

An inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court on Monday recorded an open verdict following his death.

Mr Mattham’s body was discovered by a police helicopter after a search was launched when he was reported missing.

The court heard Mr Matthams was found with nine NovoRapid insulin pens as well as white tablets and white powder.

A note was later discovered by his wife.

Insp John Hallworth, of Essex Police, helped with the search. He said: “He was last seen by his wife at 6.30am. He is seen on CCTV at a petrol station in Mayland at 7.17am.

“He didn’t come back from work, we don’t believe he actually attended work.”

The court heard Mr Matthams, of Mayland, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992 and had attempted to take his life on three previous occasions.

He was also a recovering alcoholic since 2009.

His mother Pamela told the court: “All the previous times he had harmed himself were cries for help – each time Carl called for help from the police or ambulance before it was too late.

“He told his daughter when they were having a heart to heart that he never wanted to die, he never wanted to take his own life.”

Senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: “I am going to record an open conclusion. We will never quite know what happened.

“We will never know if it was a cry for help. There were no witnesses and we don’t know if he was hoping to be found.

“He clearly was much loved and I would again like to express my sympathy to you on this loss.”