A MAN who battled anxiety and depression was found at home after taking his own life, an inquest has heard.

Colin Thornley, 44, was found at his home in Colchester.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene, but he was pronounced dead.

Coroner’s officer Jemma Cook told a hearing in Chelmsford yesterday: “He had a background of anxiety and depression.

“On December 8, a concern was raised for his welfare and a family member checked on him and found him in his bedroom.

“Police went to the scene and found there were no suspicious circumstances.

“A post-mortem examination and toxicology report were completed and a cause of death was given of neck pressure due to hanging.”

When asked by a family representative about Mr Thornley’s phone, Insp Hayley Rook said: “The phone was taken as we must look for evidence, but it had technology on it to prevent us getting into the phone.

“It would have cost us about £1,800 to unlock the phone and we decided it did not merit it.

“This is a non-suspicious death and we have limited resources.”

Assistant coroner Michelle Brown said: “I am going to record that Colin Thornley committed suicide. I want to send my sympathies to the family; this is a difficult time.”

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