A MAN with a history of mental problems was found hanging by a washing line cord in the kitchen of his parents' house.

Paul Jones, 30, sold his possessions and lived rough on the streets of Warrington, heard Bolton Coroner Martin Coppel.

Paul, who was paranoid and would often have hallucinations including talking to Father Christmas, was discovered hanging just 4ft off the ground.

A bottle of paracetamol from which Paul is thought to have taken 10 tablets was beside his body.

George Jones, of Tyldesley Road, Atherton, discovered his son as he got up for work at 6.30am.

Mr Jones told the inquest his son never wanted to work and constantly fell into financial trouble before becoming mentally ill.

The inquest heard how Paul refused medical treatment and had previously burned down his own flat and often turned up at his parents' house for food .

Mr Coppel, however, said he was not convinced Paul had intended to kill himself but had been making a "cry for help".

He said if Paul, who often smoked cannabis, had been admitted to hospital "he might have been alive today."

And added: "He was only 4ft from the ground and could have saved himself and stood up. I think it is a bit odd. Why didn't he make sure of it by choosing something higher - somewhere of no escape?"

A post mortem revealed Paul died from hanging but Mr Coppel recorded an open verdict.

"I am not convinced that he wanted to die," he said. "I think he wanted to draw attention to himself. It was a plea for help."

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