A BASINGSTOKE train driver described as 'friendly' and a 'good man' took his life after bottling up his feelings, an inquest heard.

Justin Mines, known as Jay, died at his home in Lavender Road in Basingstoke on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

Winchester Coroner's Court was told how the 48-year-old 'bottled up his dark thoughts' and struggled with spending long periods alone, due to shift work.

His wife, Danielle Mines, described him as someone who 'would do anything for anybody'.

Speaking at the inquest on Tuesday, January 5, she said: "He was friendly, generally happy, a good man. He would do anything for anybody, would chat to anybody. He loved his dogs. He was a train driver, and he loved his job.”

The couple had been married for nine years, but during 2020 they were having relationship difficulties and decided to separate.

Justin struggled with a depressive disorder, which was diagnosed in 2013, and had previously attempted to take his own life in 2014.

Danielle said: “He had darker times, but he would keep those times to himself. He would never speak about any issues he had, he would never speak about his feelings.

“Because of his job, he did spend quite a lot of time alone. It comes with shift work. The children and I were living a 9-5 life, whereas he wasn't.

“I knew he wasn’t right, but I never expected that he would do what he did.”

The court heard that Justin was on antidepressant medications but had refused offers of regular counselling.

Referencing a statement made at the time of his death, area coroner Jason Pegg said that the Basingstoke police officer who attended the scene said there was “nothing suspicious or any evidence of third party involvement in the death of Jay.”

A post-mortem was carried out three days later and found marks consistent with suicide. There was no alcohol in his body, but his lungs were congested, and it was concluded that he had taken “elevated levels” of prescription medications.

Mr Pegg added: “Sadly, from what I have heard, Jay was someone who wouldn’t speak about his feelings with those who loved him, he bottled those feelings up.”

He said that “like any person” Justin had experienced relationship difficulties, but that the combined “extent of the troubles caused to him” had led him to taking his own life.

The court heard that Justin had left a note in the home, addressed to his wife, which stated his intention to take his life, and detailed how his assets should be distributed.

Mr Pegg said: “I am satisfied that Jay took his own life, and that he intended to take his own life. Therefore, the formal conclusion in this case is one of suicide.”

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