A YORK solicitor hanged himself in the grounds of a North Yorkshire stately home, an inquest heard.

The inquest at New Earswick Folk Hall heard Nigel Mark Wilson, 45, of Knavesmire Crescent, 45, had received a text message on the day he disappeared, which caused him to smash his phone before leaving the house.

A statement from Mr Wilson’s widow, Shirley, was read by coroner Donald Coverdale, and said: “In the last three months he had changed and seemed preoccupied.”

He had not driven in years before the day of his disappearance.

He did not arrive at work that day, and Mrs Wilson phoned police later that afternoon, who launched a search to find him.

Officers found Mr Wilson’s car at a car park at Castle Howard on Thursday, April 24, the day after he went missing. His body was later found by the mausoleum.

He had hanged himself. Mr Coverdale said Mr Wilson “was evidently undergoing some sort of inner turmoil, and his behaviour at home was rather out of character”, and returned a conclusion of suicide.

• Anyone experiencing feelings of depression and contemplating suicide can phone York Samaritans on 01904 655888.