A FORMER Bury man, who had drunk weedkiller when he split up with his partner, was found hanging from a tree when their relationship broke down a second time.

Miss Susan Fitton told Bury and Rochdale District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams that she had met Albert Barry Isherwood in Radcliffe 20 years ago and they had lived together until July. She had left their caravan home and left a note saying she was going on holiday and needed time to evaluate their relationship. In fact she felt it was finally over and she did not intend to go back.

A man walking his dog found Mr Isherwood (49), a part-time leaflet distributor, hanging by a rope from a tree in Whittaker Woods, Milnrow on August 17. He had been dead some time. A man who loved walking he was wearing outdoor gear and had a rucksack and other outdoor items with him. Notes were recovered from his body which indicated what he intended to do.

The owner of the caravan park at Hollingworth Lake, where he had been living, had reported him missing two days earlier.

Mr Williams recorded a verdict of "suicide".

Two years earlier Mr Isherwood and Miss Fitton had split up and she had heard he was in hospital after taking an overdose of weedkiller. He told her he could not live without her.

On that occasion, the inquest was told, there was a reconciliation. In July she left, leaving the note.