A depressed workaholic who had “demons in his head” took his own life, an inquest heard.

Melvin Johnson, 61, a former manager of a bodyshop garage, had been forced to give up work after suffering a heart attack and a mini-stroke.

His wife, Christine Johnson, of Coach Road, Baildon, told the inquest today Mr Johnson had turned to drink and had tried to keep busy to help cope with the frustration at not being able to work.

On the day of his death in November last year Mr Johnson had returned home from walking the dog and having a drink, telling his wife he had demons in his head.

She told Coroner Roger Whittaker that her husband had told her before that he had heard voices in his head.

He went out again, his wife assuming he had gone to the pub.

Later she noticed a light on in the back garden and went to investigate.

She looked into the garage and saw her husband hanging.

Despite efforts from neighbours, police officers and paramedics, Mr Johnson could not be saved.

Mr Whittaker recorded that Mr Johnson had taken his own life.