A FATHER who was found dead at his home in Old Sarum will be remembered for being a “thoughtful, caring and loving man”.

Robert Hopkins was found on June 6 after family members went to check on him at his home in Lanfranc Close.

An inquest at Salisbury Coroners Court on Friday heard he had suffered with depression for about 18 years and had previously been prescribed medication.

But in June, Mr Hopkins told his doctor he had started to feel worse - experiencing an upset stomach, vomiting, problems sleeping due to anxiety and suicidal thoughts, which he had not experienced previously.

The 48-year-old welder previously enjoyed going to concerts, but had become more reclusive.

The inquest heard that when he did go out he would “light up the room” and his “personality shone”.

His family said before his death he came across as more negative, and work friends said he was quieter. He had also been off work prior to his death.

The inquest heard he was concerned his job was at risk and had spoken of how work had slowed down.

His laptop showed internet searches had been carried out by Mr Hopkins about how to deal with suicidal thoughts.

The cause of death given was hanging and depression.

Coroner David Ridley said Mr Hopkins had been “battling this condition [depression] for some time”.

He added that it was “quite clear his intention here was to take his own life”.

Mr Ridley gave a conclusion of suicide and said depression was “more likely than not a contributing factor in relation to his actions”.

Mr Hopkins’ family said: “Robert was a very thoughtful, caring, loving man as a father to his daughters and to the rest of our family.

“We all miss him terribly.”