Farmer who hanged himself ‘revealed Brexit worries as he battled depression’

A lonely farmer with a history of mental health issues and increasing concerns over Brexit was found hanged, an inquest heard.

Matthew William Dennis, of Middle Drift In Cornwall, was found by his sister outside his farm in March.

The 53-year-old was living with his siblings, following the recent death of their mother.

An inquest in Truro heard how Mr Dennis was lonely and struggled with a history of mental health issues.

He had also suffered bouts of anxiety and depression, reports Cornwall Liv e.

Only a month before he was found dead, the farmer told his GP that 'his mood was no longer low' and he wanted to start reducing his medication.

On Monday, March 18, Mr Dennis' sister became concerned after she realised that he was not coming back for lunch, which was unusual.

She went outside to search for him and eventually discovered his body.

DC Sally Johnson told the inquest that officers from Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the farm at about 1.30pm.

She said: "Mr Dennis' sister ran back, told her brother and police were called.

"There was no suggestion of third-party involvement.

"I think [the location] was chosen deliberately so that he couldn’t be found to be rescued."

She explained how the farmer seemed to have been a very lonely person who had increasing financial worries and serious concerns over Brexit.

She said: "He lived on the farm with his sister and brother, they lived quite an isolated life, out in the middle of nowhere.

"He didn’t appear to have too many friends, he wasn’t in a relationship.

"He was very quiet, self-contained, he didn’t express himself too much, he was very lonely.

"He had been unusually quiet the night before.

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