A 47-year-old man from Cleator Moor who had long-standing mental health issues was found dead by family members at his home after taking his own life, an inquest has heard.

Michael John Gate, of Mill Hill, was found deceased on July 30, 2024, by his partner of 14 years, Nicola Chapman.

Ms Chapman lived separately from Mr Gate, but said in a statement that they had a 'great relationship'. She became concerned about him on July 30 as she had not heard from him and wasn't answering calls.

The family went to investigate, and finding his door unlocked, made the tragic discovery.

Neighbours, who were outside on a sunny day, called the police.

Paramedics arrived and pronounced Mr Gate dead at 5.39pm.

Attendant police officers found an 'exceptionally tidy and clean' house, and no suspicious circumstances.

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Ms Chapman's statement that in the past year, 'Michael began distancing himself from his family'.

She said that she phoned him on July 25, and he 'seemed normal', but he had texted her around a month prior saying that 'he was going to kill himself'.

The statement said: "I didn't think he would actually ever do it."

Mr Gate's father, John, said in a statement that his son had many interests, including rugby, football, cycling, watching movies, and DIY.

He said that his son enjoyed these hobbies when not struggling with his anxiety and other mental health issues.

He said: "He tried several times over the years to harm himself, but also had many periods where he looked after the children and had DIY projects in his house.

"When Michael was suffering, he would become withdrawn, would lock himself away, and would refuse contact with anyone until he was feeling more positive.

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"During these years his family tried to seek help for Michael in any way that they could to support him, but alas, his illness overcame him."

Police enquiries revealed that the last time Mr Gate was seen was by a neighbour through his kitchen window two days prior to his death, and his rubbish had been outside his front door since, which was 'unusual'.

A statement submitted to Cockermouth Coroner's Court by a mental health clinician said that Mr Gate had a diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder as well as a history of alcohol and 'poly-drug misuse'.

It also said that had a history of self-harm, including various suicide attempts, having first engaged with mental health services in 2002 after an overdose.

He had contact with 'various' mental health services over the years following, and had self-referred on July 2, 2024, reporting difficulty with using public transport.

It said he could 'hear voices I used to know, saying negative things'.

An unsuccessful attempt was made to contact Mr Gate on July 23.

Assistant coroner for Cumbria, Robert Cohen, accepted the cause of death offered as hanging, and concluded that Mr Gate's death was by suicide.

He had left a note, money and keys nearby.

Mr Cohen said: "It's clear that sadly, Michael had his demons, but nevertheless, he sought to live a full and interesting life."

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