Inquest
Warwick man left apology note

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A WARWICK man who was missing for two months before his body was found hanging from a tree left a note apologising for the pain he had caused family and friends.

The body of Brian Reading, of Cape Road, was discovered on September 25 by a Network Rail employee in an isolated culvert near Warwick Parkway Station. He had committed suicide.

An inquest at Warwickshire Justice Centre heard how Mr Reading – a type 2 diabetic – had been drinking excessively and taking drugs, despite the concerns of his partner.

And close friend of 28 years, Matthew Goode admitted Mr Reading's mood had deteriorated significantly in the months leading up to his death.

Mr Reading met Mr Goode on July 20 and spent the night and some of the next day at Mr Goode's flat watching horse racing and drinking beer before telling him around 4pm he was going home to sleep. Mr Goode expected a text message from his friend but it was the last time he saw him.

Mr Reading was reported missing by his family the day after his 43rd birthday on July 22 which prompted police to launch a search for Mr Reading, who was classed as a 'high-risk missing person' on account of his medical condition.

But two months on his body was found. Police subsequently discovered a suicide note written by Brian apologising for the pain he had put friends and family through.

Recording the verdict Mr Reading took his own life, coroner Sean McGovern said: “The cause of death by hanging is clear and from the note he left for his family it is clear he took his own life. I offer my condolences to his family.”

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