Golf club man found hanged in shed, inquest hears

Mr Morris, 60, who lived at Oaklea Close, St Leonards, was found dead at Cooden Beach Golf Club in May.

Pathologist Dr Stuart Barnes confirmed death was due to asphyxia from hanging. He found no evidence of disease which contributed to his death. No alcohol or drugs were detected.

A statement from Mr Morris's GP said he had feared he might be suffering from prostate cancer. But a biopsy revealed he was in the clear.

His widow, Linda, told Coroner Alan Craze her husband was a fit man who regularly walked and cycled.

She said that in recent months she noticed he was lethargic when he came home from work and generally seemed very tired.

Mrs Morris said it was possible her husband had become depressed and hid it from her.

She was on a course in London and came back in a taxi when told Mr Morris had not come home from work.

Peter Wilkins, who has worked as a cleaner at the golf club for seven years, made the grim discovery in the artisan shed after a search was launched.

Mr Wilkins said he arrived at work very early on Thursday, May 9 and found Mr Morris's car unlocked and with the sun roof open in the car park.

Mr Morris had locked the door of the shed from the inside before hanging himself.

Coroner Mr Craze said: "This was something done without any element of thought. In my view he was probably suffering from intermittent depression. I have no choice but to record a verdict of suicide."