A MAN found hanged at his home killed himself after the break-up of the relationship with his girlfriend, an inquest was told.

John Masson, 43, was found by police on July 3 at his home in Bedford Street, Nelson, and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Acting East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor said: "It is clear from the evidence given and the enquiries made by the police that, unfortunately, at the time he died he had become extremely depressed and I bring in a verdict that he killed himself because he was depressed."

Police were alerted by Mr Masson's girlfriend at the time, Lorraine Busby, who lives in Belfast. Mr Masson telephoned her shortly before his death.

An officer called at the house, knocked on the front and back doors and heard music. He managed to get in the front door. Mr Masson was found hanging on the stairway. Mr Masson was a site fitter for a joinery firm. He worked mainly abroad and it was while working on a contract in Belfast he first met Lorraine Busby.

On the day of his death John confided to company secretary Lesley Thompson that his relationship with Lorraine Busby had ended.

Bills for a mobile phone belonging to Mr Masson were shown at the inquest.

In the days leading up to his death they showed he had made a considerable numbers of text message calls to the same number -- that of Lorraine Busby.

The coroner said Miss Busby had been asked to attend the inquest but had declined.