A SUCCESSFUL businessman and rugby club official was found hanged by his daughter a week after being discharged from a psychiatric clinic, an inquest was told.

John Graham, 41, managing director of Otley Motors, a franchise with three sites across Yorkshire and treasurer of Harrogate RU Club, had left the family home in Killinghall and had moved to Harrogate.

Coroner Geoff Fell, who recorded a verdict that he took his own life, said Mr Graham had been found at his new home, in Queens Road, in October by his daughter, Victoria, after he failed to return her calls.

She had become anxious because of five attempts her father had made on his life in the past.

Mr Fell said Miss Graham had described her father as an astute and successful businessman who thrived on pressure and who was always striving for success.

The coroner said the trigger for Mr Graham's troubles had been domestic problems. He had also been drinking heavily and had been advised to cut down dramatically.

Mr Graham had spent time in the mental health wing of Harrogate District Hospital and had been an in-patient at the private Harrogate Clinic.