AN inquest was held into the death of a Northumberland man.

John McMaster, known as Jack, died at his home in Heddon-on-the-Wall on January 23 this year.

An inquest held at County Hall in Morpeth on Friday (August 19) heard Mr McMaster, 65, had suffered from depression for around 20 years and had been admitted to hospital several times.

Mr McMaster had lived with his wife of 38 years but they had separated four days prior to his death and after that she stayed with her brother and daughter.

She had arrived at the home shortly after 7am on January 23 to walk their dog when she found him on the living room floor unresponsive, the inquest heard.

He was later pronounced dead.

His death was due to the effects of a combination of medications, the inquest heard.

A pill organiser box was found to have a number of days empty. A note was not left.

A report from Mr McMaster's GP read out at the inquest said Mr McMaster had significant mental illness, and had suffered many years of depression, had struggled with suicidal ideation, and had a brief period of depression with psychosis.

In the days before his death, allegations were put to Mr McMaster which were 'clearly distressing' for him, Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington said.

The coroner said while Mr McMaster had taken the tablets voluntarily, it remains 'unclear' whether he had intended to take his own life.

He recorded a narrative conclusion and said Mr McMaster had died 'as a result of his own actions while the intent remains unclear'.

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