Son found body of father who killed himself
Monday, March 01, 2010, 23:59
A DAD who hanged himself was discovered by his teenage son, an inquest has heard.
Lee Clements, of Heol y Gors, Townhill, was found at his home on March 8, last year.
The 46-year-old left no note, but he sent a text to his ex-partner Michelle Carpenter, with whom he had three children, before he died.
Ms Carpenter then contacted Mr Clements's teenaged son, Ricky, from a previous relationship, who in turn checked on his father.
Ricky summed up the text Mr Clements sent Ms Carpenter: "'I'm happy I'm going to die. You should be happy too, it's all your fault. (Tell the children) I love them'.
"It was something along those lines. I didn't see the text but that was what she told me."
An autopsy carried out by consultant pathologist Nasima Tofazal at Singleton Hospital gave the medical cause of death as hanging.
Toxicology reports showed there were only traces of alcohol in Mr Clements's blood, described in court as insignificant, and amounts of anti-depressants in line with therapeutic use.
PC Victoria Belzano told the inquest Mr Clements had grown depressed after his relationship with Ms Carpenter broke down. He had also had to give up work as a scaffolder, following an accident in 2008.
She added: "He was a good father loving and he financially supported his family."
A verdict of suicide was recorded.