A PROFESSIONAL at Leigh Golf Club took his own life after he became depressed about the shape of his nose. Michael Smith, aged 28, was found dead in his car in July with a hosepipe leading from the exhaust.

An inquest was told that Mr Smith had been depressed for two years since splitting up with his girlfriend and had become increasingly withdrawn. He was particularly depressed about the shape of his nose and had private surgery to alter it, which resulted in a boost to his confidence.

However, an unprovoked attack outside a Warrington nightclub a month before his death led to injuries to his nose which further depressed him.

His family had wanted him to get medical help to overcome his mental illness, the inquest was told.

Mr Smith, of Cherry Lane, Lymm, was found in his car in Withers Lane, High Legh, with a hosepipe leading from the exhaust pipe. He had died from carobon monoxide poisoning and had moderately high levels of alcohol in his body. Cheshire coroner Dr Nicholas Rheinberg recorded a verdict of suicide. He said: "He had no reason to be depressed, he was successful in his employment, but in June came an event which really did seem to cause problems."