A man found hanging in the bathroom of a hotel room in Tunbridge Wells had been careful to leave two notes just inside the door warning: Do not enter, call the police.

Gary Offley, 51, had additionally left three letters personally addressed to his wife, his 18-year-old daughter and his 14-year-old son.

Mr Offley, a solution architect for East Sussex County Council, had been born in Billericay in Essex, where it was said he had a traumatic childhood

DS Lisa Featherstone who investigated the death said he had undergone therapy to help with some mental health issues, but just prior to his death was thought to have been in a good place, with no alcohol or drug abuse problems and he had also paid off a large debt that should have left the family's fortunes looking more hopeful.

However, on Friday, October 11, he was arrested and interviewed by Sussex Police. The reason for the arrest was not revealed at the inquest. Released on bail without charge, he nevertheless felt he couldn't continue to live at the family home in Lewes and began to look for somewhere else to stay.

When he disappeared the next day, his wife reported him as a missing person and a police search was launched. His car was found in Tunbridge Wells, and his body discovered on Sunday, October 13.

DS Lisa Featherstone said there was no reason to suspect any third party involvement. Mr Offley had removed the battery from his mobile phone, probably, she said, to avoid being traced.

Coroner Roger Hatch recorded a verdict of suicide.

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