A MAN who was found dead by his family on a houseboat in Rudheath took his own life, a coroner has concluded.

An inquest at Crewe Municipal Buildings on Friday heard how the body of 36-year-old Colin Sheriff was found by his sister, Yvonne, and nephew Dean, in the bathroom of the boat - where he lived with his dog, Lucy - on December 30.

The family had been concerned about Mr Sheriff after he failed to collect Lucy from an overnight stay at his mother’s home, so Yvonne and Dean went to Park Farm Marina, in Davenham Road, where Colin had moored his boat, The Starbug,

On entering the boat, Dean saw a handwritten note pinned to the door warning of dangerous chemicals that were in the air and he raised the alarm.

The court was told Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service worked for more than three hours to make the area safe.

A second note was also left by Mr Sheriff explaining his actions.

The former Darnhall Community Primary School pupil was described as ‘a bit of a loner’ who did not cope well with significant changes in his life, according to a statement given by his mother.

His family lived in Winsford until he was six years old but moved to Liverpool for 18 months following his parents’ divorce. He later began seeing a child psychologist for stress.

Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner Michael Wallbank, said: “I am certain beyond reasonable doubt that the medical cause of death will be poisoning through carbon monoxide inhalation. I also understand that Colin had planned this for some time.

“I am satisfied that he intended the consequences of this action would be his own death.”