A YOUNG man who had battled with allergies throughout his life committed suicide three weeks after starting a course of anti-depressants, a coroner’s court has heard.

The death of 26-year-old Matthew Couzens, from Jerome Street, Whiteley, was the subject of an inquest held at Portsmouth Guildhall.

A statement was read out in court from his parents, Derek and Lynda Couzens, that said throughout his life he had battled with allergies to E numbers and dairy, which would trigger his asthma, although he was often reluctant to ask for medical help.

The statement said: ‘He was a handsome lad, with a smile that would light up a room. He was loved by so many and would put anyone before himself. He was very special.’

Matthew, a builder, was found dead in his bedroom on September 21, 2012, by his best friend of 17 years, Michael Hodges, who he shared a house with.

Three weeks earlier, he had started a course of anti-depressants. Medical evidence said the level of this drug was normal, and that he may have been suffering side effects, but it could take around four weeks to have an effect.

Coroner David Horsley gave a narrative verdict of suicide.