A BAR manager took his life after discharging himself from hospital where he was being treated for alcoholism, an inquest heard yesterday.

David John Howard Webb killed himself on Monday, April 21, after moving out of the house he shared with partner Catherine Gardener, in High Street, Bishopton.

The 35-year-old had suffered depression for several years, for which he had seen a counsellor on three occasions.

He had admitted himself to Darlington Memorial Hospital for help to deal with his drinking, but discharged himself.

British Transport Police found Mr Webb's body in his Citroen Xantia, near the East Coast main railway line, two miles south of Bradbury, with a hose pipe channelling exhaust fumes into the car.

Pathologist Dr Don Senadhira said Mr Webb died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna, sitting at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, recorded a verdict that Mr Webb took his own life.