A father-of-three who suffered from Asperger’s syndrome took his own life at the Greenbridge Retail Park, an inquest heard yesterday.
The body of body Barry Young, 47, from Middleleaze, was discovered behind Pizza Hut on October 29, 2012.
Painkillers and alcohol were found beside him, together with what appeared to be a suicide note.
He had been feeling the pressures of redundancies at work and a failing marriage, and his condition played a part in his death, the inquest heard.
His wife Alycia told the inquest: “He hid it from most people, and always had a smile on his face. I felt the diagnosis was a blessing, because it meant he was not doing these things on purpose.”
She said Barry had gone downhill after the diagnosis and, after being referred to the mental health Crisis Team, told a medical health nurse he had bought alcohol and tablets with the intention of committing suicide.
“We had spoken openly about splitting up,” she said.
“He was hard to live with. I was thinking we might split because I was out of energy.
“It was all very amicable and I loved him still.
“The last time I saw him was on October 26. His boss had been made redundant and Barry relied on her and the support she was giving him was starting to disappear.
“We had a stupid argument about his condition, and when we reached Shaw Ridge he got out of the car and walked off.
“He had told me not to bother him when he was in those moods until he calmed down.
“He would often punch the door in frustration, and I was worried he would hurt me in anger.”
Orianna Morrison-Clarke, speech and language therapist at SEQOL, said Barry had been referred to her in November 2010 by his GP, when she diagnosed him with Aspergers.
“There are times when it is easier to cope, but things like change can make those symptoms more difficult to cope with,” she told the inquest.
“It can affect decision-making by not being able to understand and see the bigger picture.
“If anything changes in their structure the coping mechanisms can break down.”
David Ridley, the coroner for Wiltshire, recording his verdict, said: “The conclusion is that Barry Young took his own life.
“He was suffering from Asperger’s syndrome, which affects an individual’s perception of relationships.”
Alycia said: “My husband was the most beloved, lovely person you could ever meet and this is a complete tragedy.”
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