A DEPRESSED York man took his own life after being diagnosed with a chronic bowel illness, an inquest heard.

York Coroner's Court was told how Mark Edward Thurbin, who was 30, and of Broad Oak Lane, Wigginton, sank into a depression after being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.

Mr Thurbin had a previous history of mental illness and had cut his own throat in April 2001.

He was found dead in his bedroom by his father on February 3 this year. He had a plastic bag over his head and two empty butane canisters were found inside.

Coroner Donald Coverdale recorded a verdict of suicide.

Yesterday's coroner's court sitting also saw a suicide verdict recorded on the death of firefighter Robert David Forbes.

Mr Forbes, who was 37, and whose address was given as Bowland Way, Rawcliffe, York, was found hanged on March 19 this year.

Updated: 11:39 Thursday, November 21, 2002