A depressed financial analyst hanged himself after separating from his wife, an inquest heard.

Trevor Gray, 35, of South Street, Tarring, Worthing, was found dead at his home on January 10.

He had called a friend in Scotland the day before and left a morbid message on her answer phone, asking her to do something at his funeral.

When Mr Gray's mother Mary, from Devon, could not get in touch, she called police. He was found hanging by a cord above a staircase.

At Friday's hearing, West Sussex coroner Roger Stone ruled Mr Gray had taken his own life.

Mrs Gray confirmed her son had been married for 11 years but separated from his wife in September last year.

He had been taken to hospital on three previous occasions following attempts to harm himself by taking tablets.

Mr Gray then started taking anti-depressants and his state of mind improved.

Mrs Gray said: "His house had to be sold because of the split-up of the marriage.

"He went to stay in Brighton for Christmas and New Year."

On January 2, he was pleased to move into rented accommodation in Worthing but told his brother days later he had not had a good Christmas.

Sergeant Robert Sullivan went to the South Street property after Mrs Gray reported how she was concerned about her son.

He said he discovered Mr Gray's body "suspended above a stairwell." He was not breathing.

Pathologist Dr Jeremy Grant confirmed the cause of death was hanging.