Inquest hears of Penybanc labourer's low ebb (From South Wales Guardian)

Inquest hears of Penybanc labourer's low ebb

5:00pm Friday 4th May 2012 in News

A PENYBANC labourer who had suffered depression hanged himself in the loft of his home after texting his teenage son saying he was “going away”, a Llanelli inquest heard.

But after hearing that 42- year-old Alan Marshall Rees had been drinking heavily, Carmarthenshire coroner Mark Layton said he could not be certain thatMrRees intended to take his own life.

Mr Layton recorded a narrative verdict on Mr Rees, of 18 Heol Trefrhiw, stating that while he had suspended himself with a ligature from rafters the question of intent remained unclear.

The court was told that dadof- threeMrRees was found on February 16 and a note was recovered from the scene.

Coroner’s officer Tudor Rees said Mr Rees had threatened to kill himself following an argument with his parents.

“The day before, he was found Mr Rees sent his son a text saying he loved him and was going away and he could have all he owned,” he said.

Summing up,MrLayton said the fact Mr Rees had a bloodalcohol level of 244mg – just over three times the legal drink-drive limit – might have impaired his judgement.