A Suffolk man took his own life while “the balance of his mind was disturbed”, an inquest has ruled.

Police and paramedics were called to a property in Clopton, on January 20 after it was reported that 33-year-old Barrie Pearce’s body had been discovered.

An inquest at IP-City Centre heard that “evidence of planning” had been found.

The inquest also heard that Mr Pearce, who had two children with his first partner, had battled depression previously.

Mr Pearce had been persuaded to seek counselling for mental health problems, but died before this could take place.

Mr Pearce’s cause of death was given as asphyxia and gassing.

Yvonne Blake, assistant coroner, said: “It is clear that Mr Pearce was depressed and suffering from a mental illness at the time of his death. I am not satisfied that he was thinking clearly when he died.

“I am going to say that Mr Pearce took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.”

After Mr Pearce’s death, a serious incident investigation was launched by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), which provides mental health services in the two counties.

This determined that the trust had only had one contact with Mr Pearce, that an assessment had taken place and that counselling was due to take place.

If you would like confidential support or advice, please call the Samaritans on 08457 909090 or, alternatively, visit www.samaritans.org