Decorator took his own life amid prison fears

A 40-year-old man who suffered from recurrent depression and had fears about going to prison committed suicide in woodland near Rotherfield, an inquest has heard.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Feb 2016, 13:20 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 07:35 BST

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Eastbourne Law Courts (Pic by Jon Rigby) SUS-150722-161518008Eastbourne Law Courts (Pic by Jon Rigby) SUS-150722-161518008
Eastbourne Law Courts (Pic by Jon Rigby) SUS-150722-161518008

Simon Nunn, of Westwood Cottages in Rotherfield, was found hanging in Hornshurst Wood by a family walking their dog on Sunday, July 26, 2015.

Despite attempts from paramedics to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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An inquest into his death, held at Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 11, heard how the decorator had a history of recurrent depression, for which he was taking medication.

The court heard how Mr Nunn was having problems in his personal life. During a break from his long-term relationship, he started seeing another woman.

His father, Brian Nunn, told the court this brief relationship was “intense” and that it affected Simon’s state of mind, causing him to drink more. During this time, he also got arrested for assault.

Although Mr Nunn moved back in with his long-term girlfriend and his mood seemed to improve, he was fearful of going to prison, telling people that it would “ruin him”.

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On the day of his death, he sent a number of texts to friends and family telling them goodbye and that he loved them. His father later found a diary that gave clear indications of Simon’s intentions to take his own life.

A post mortem gave his cause of death as suspension and a fatal level of fluoxetine - the medication he was taking for depression. He also had a high blood alcohol level.

The coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide while the balance of mind was disturbed.

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