A FORMER legal student who had switched to study mental health nursing after struggling with depression took his own life in Magaluf, an inquest has concluded.

Joe Robinson, 25, was a former Manor School pupil and keen bodybuilder who was working on the Spanish island of Majorca when he was found dead in his bed at a holiday apartment by his friends on May 12 last year.

The cause of Mr Robinson's death was cardiorespiratory arrest, assistant coroner Jon Heath said during the inquest at New Earswick Friends' Meeting House.

But during the autopsy a cocktail of drugs had been found in the body of Mr Robinson of Nether Poppleton.

Mr Heath said a note written by Mr Robinson led him to conclude that the death was due to suicide.

"My conclusion is to find that he took his own life and intended to do so. The note made it clear he didn't wish to continue living," Mr Heath said.

A fund set up by Mr Robinson's sister Esme last year raised thousands of pounds to help bring his body home from Magaluf.

The justgiving page raised more than £6,300 to repatriate his body - the original target of £5,000 was raised in about seven hours.

She said on the appeal page: "He [Joe] was loved by so many. He was caring, outgoing and intelligent. He studied law for two years but found his calling whilst working with mental health patients, and had been accepted to start a degree in mental health nursing.

"Despite his bright future and apparent happiness he had struggled for a long time with depression and anxiety. Now we need to bring him home where he belongs and at the same time raise funds for Mind."

Mr Robinson was good friends with Ellie Willetts' son Sam, and she said he became like a son to her, even living with the family on and off for about a year.

She said: "Joe was a big, beautiful boy with a big, beautiful smile, and everyone who met him loved him, as you can see by the fund. Unfortunately, Joe loved everyone, he just didn't love himself."

Mrs Willetts said at the time, she believed Mr Robinson would have been pleased that any extra funds raised would go towards Mind, particularly and he was keen to contribute to the care of mental health issues.

* Contact Samaritans on 116 123. The NHS 24/7 crisis service in York is on 01904 526582. If somebody is at serious risk of harm call 999. York Mind offers support on 01904 643364.