A FATHER and lifelong Barrow AFC supporter intended to take his own life by taking an overdose of anti-depressant medication, a coroner has concluded.

Allan Thompson, 59, died at his home on Schooner Street on February 11 after consuming a lethal amount of his anti-depressant medication, Cockermouth Coroner’s Court was told.

The father and lifelong Liverpool and Barrow AFC fan had not responded when contacted by his friend Patricia Shelby.

She then contacted the police who later forced entry to Mr Thompson’s address and found him lying unresponsive, the hearing heard.

Miss Shelby gave a statement that was read our during the inquest. She said: “I have known him for 25 years.

“He stayed at my house every Thursday from 2018 but he would not drink much.

“I saw him that week and he said he wanted to end his own life.

“I think Mr Thompson wanted to take his own life.

“Around the time of his death, I rang him but had no answer. I went over to his flat to see if there was any sign of movement. His neighbour said he had previously helped her with her shopping.”

In a statement, PC Alexander Brown explained how he found Mr Thompson, who was surrounded by medication.

His brother James Thompson said in a statement: “He suffered with depression and bipolar disorder.

“He really struggled with this and he had some low moments through the years. My brother had a sharp wit and we got on well.”

He said his brother had attended school in Walney then went on to Barrow Grammar.

The inquest was also told by the coroner how Mr Thompson had a child and had been married earlier in his life.

The former MOT tester’s doctor, Dr Harrison from Duke Street Surgery in Barrow, spoke about his mental health issues in a statement.

Dr Harrison explained that although the surgery had only started seeing him as a patient in 2014 when he moved from Carlisle, they were informed he had misused alcohol and other substances since the 1990s.

A post-mortem and toxicology report found small amounts of alcohol in his system at the time of death, but found traces of his anti-depressant drugs at 10 times the fatal amount.

Anti-depressant drug toxicity was given as the cause of death which was accepted by coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw.

“I believe this to be a deliberate taking of his own life by taking an overdose," said Dr Shaw.

If you need someone to talk to then call the Samaritans’ helpline number on 116 123.