Inquest: Simon Rule from Salisbury was found on Mill Lane footpath

Simon Rule, from Salisbury, was found on Mill Lane footpath, in Stratford-sub-Castle, in November last year.

An inquest at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court in Salisbury on February 8 heard that Mr Rule had a “long-standing battle with anxiety”, and that it was “his intention to take his own life.”

At just before 8am on Wednesday, November 20, Mr Rule was found by a dog walker out on a run, who then contacted the emergency services.

Police and paramedics attended, and Mr Rule was confirmed dead at the scene.

Mr Rule was an electrical engineer, described as a “jack of all trades”, and was born in Salisbury on March 19, 1981.

His father Anthony James Rule, said: “He was a very determined child, quite old fashioned.

“He always found it difficult mixing with peers his own age [at school].”

Senior Coroner David Ridley said: “Mr Rule had a long-standing battle with anxiety, and an anxiety disorder.”

“He seemed to struggle in social situations and environments. “

He had just started a new job, and had been referred for one-on-one cognitive behavioural therapy – a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave, but was not showing up to the appointments.

Mr Ridley said: “Maybe he couldn’t be helped.”

Nothing suspicious was found in the area in which he was found.

A small amount of alcohol was found in Mr Rule’s system, but not enough to have affected his decision making.

Mr Rule was found with a note saying: “I am so very sorry, but I can’t do this anymore.”

He also expressed love for his parents and his sister, and added: “I’m happy now. This is peace at last.”

Mr Ridley recorded a conclusion of suicide by hanging, combined with a long anxiety disorder.

For more information and guidance about suicide visit samaritans.org 

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