A father-of-two from Westbury found hanged in his home was suffering from depression following the breakdown of his marriage, an inquest heard.

Nigel Young, 27, from Highland Close, was found hanged by a dressing gown cord from a bannister on July 8, 2008, at about 8pm after his best friend, Andrew Sheppard, had seen him through a window.

Wiltshire Coroner David Ridley recorded a verdict of suicide following an inquest held at Trowbridge Town Hall on Wednesday.

None of Mr Young’s family attended the hearing, but a statement from his brother, Keith, was read out.

In the statement, Keith Young described how his brother had become increasingly withdrawn after his divorce 18-months earlier, which had lead to the loss of his job at the Lafarge Cement Works.

Reading from the statement, Mr Ridley said: “Keith Young describes an incident on March 3, 2008, when he called police at around 6am after he found a letter from Nigel declaring that all his possessions should go to his sons along with a set of car keys.

“He said the family had been left with the impression Mr Young would commit suicide and this had sparked a police search, which was later called off when Mr Young walked up his brother’s drive at around 4pm.”

Mr Young was on medication for clinical depression, but did not respond to those wanting to help him, including health workers at the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership.

Keith Young described how he ended up having conversations with his brother through his letter box as his depression worsened.

PC Nicholas Holt, of Westbury police, who was first on the scene, said there had been no signs of a struggle or third party involvement.

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust said in a statement after the inquest that the tragedy could not have been averted.

“We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Young.

“The inquest heard about the efforts made by the mental health team to encourage Mr Young to engage with them in order to receive care and support.

“It is very sad that Mr Young was unable or unwilling to do so.”