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The death of a delivery driver who ended his own life “could not have been foreseen”, a coroner said.
Area coroner Chris Long said there was “nothing whatsoever” to suggest what Paul Cottam had planned when he killed himself earlier this year.
Mr Cottam died aged 58 as a result of smoke inhalation he suffered in an outhouse at his Ribbleton home.
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An inquest at Lancashire Coroners Court heard that police were called to reports he had gone missing on July 2 and found his body during a search of the property.
Police ruled out any suggestion of third party or criminal involvement and Mr Long concluded that the evidence pointed to Mr Cottam’s death being a deliberate act.
As a result, he recorded a conclusion of suicide.
In evidence read into court by the coroner, Mr Long’s mum remembered the Liverpool FC fan as having “a great sense of humour” who and as someone “loved his staffies and always had a dog by his side”.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, you can phone Samaritans on 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org, in confidence.
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