Winchester man who took his own life had no history of mental health problems (From Andover Advertiser)

Winchester man who took his own life had no history of mental health problems

11:20am Friday 15th February 2013 in Winchester

A FATHER from Winchester who took his own life had no previous history of mental health problems, a coroner's court has heard.

An inquest on Wednesday (February 13) heard that Martin Newbold, known to family and friends as Jimmy, hanged himself in the garage of his home at Chalk Ridge, Highcliffe.

His wife, Gemma Newbold, told the court that her husband, a civil servant, had shown no signs that he might take his own life.

“I never, ever thought that he was going to do this. He never ever talked about suicide,” she said.

A report from his GP said that he was surprised at his death, since the patient had never presented any mental health problems.

However, the hearing in Winchester was told that Mr Newbold's drinking had caused his wife some concern and he was two-and-half-times the drink drive limit at the time of his death.

But central Hampshire assistant deputy coroner Sarah Whitby, said she was in no doubt he intended to take his own life.

His son Dominic found him hanging on August 31, calling an ambulance before attempting to resuscitate his father.

The coroner said to Mrs Newbold: “His (Dominic's) presence of mind in these circumstances I find quite remarkable for a man of his age and I hope you pass on my admiration.”

A verdict of suicide was recorded.