A PUB landlord took his own life after a lengthy battle with depression, an inquest has heard.

Jonathan Annet was found dead at his home in Davenham on April 21, just days after returning from a family holiday.

At an inquest held this week, assistant coroner Elizabeth Wheeler ruled the 39-year-old's death as suicide.

Ms Wheeler said: “From their attendance today, it is clear Jonathan was much loved by his family.

“May I offer you my sincerest condolences, I can’t imagine how you feel and nor will I pretend to.”

Born in Withington, Manchester, Mr Annet had only recently become the landlord at the Red Lion in Pickmere, having previously worked as a pilot.

His pilot’s licence had been revoked a decade ago after he had suffered from cluster headaches.

A report from Dr Russell Whitwell was read out during the inquest, explaining that Mr Annet had suffered with depression for a similar amount of time.

He first went to his GP, Danebridge Medical Practice, in 2011 and had been taking sertraline, an anti-depressant, since 2014.

In a statement read out by the coroner, his wife Carolyn Annet said her husband had been depressed on the last two days of a family holiday to Portugal.

They returned home on Tuesday (April 18) and Mrs Annet saw her husband for the final time as she left for work on Friday morning (April 21).

Shortly after midday she received a call from the Red Lion to say he had not come into work.

After Mr Annet was found at home, emergency services were called to the scene, but it was too late for resuscitation and he was pronounced dead at 1.57pm.

The inquest was held at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, August 2, with Ms Wheeler concluding Mr Annet’s death was suicide.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.