AN Ainley Top man shot himself after suffering from depression for months, an inquest heard.

Peter Jakeways, 58, of Lindley Moor Road, was found dead by his neighbour on Saturday, August 8 this year.

He was discovered lying in a pool of blood in his back garden. A shotgun was by his side.

Neighbour Paul Holbury made the grim find after noticing his conservatory door had been left open for two days.

An inquest at Halifax coroner’s court heard yesterday how the quantity surveyor had been suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety for months.

A report from the psychiatrist treating him revealed how a catalogue of life problems had started to take their toll.

He had recently been divorced from his wife and his house had been on the market for two years but had failed to sell.

He was also feeling increasing pressure in his job with Leeds City Council and was growing concerned he may be fired.

He was taking three different drugs to help him cope with his depression at the time of his death.

Days before he died, he met his ex-wife Diane Balmforth for lunch. The couple had remained friends.

She had recently remarried, but helped him compile a list to help ease some of his worries.

Mr Jakeways was found clutching pieces of the note when his body was found.

Consultant pathologist Dr Padwell told the court how Mr Jakeways had suffered massive head injuries as a result of a gunshot wound to his head.

Deputy corner Paul Marks said: “It is very difficult in these circumstances to find any crumb of comfort other than to suggest his death would have been instantaneous. He would not have felt a thing.

“I am satisfied this was not an accidental death. A firearm was discovered and there was clear intention that Mr Jakeways intended to take his own life.

“He had a history of mental illness. All that remains open is for me to express my deepest sympathies for your sad loss.”