A BANK manager who hanged himself had became "preoccupied" when he turned 40, an inquest court heard on Monday.

Mr Andrew Ratchford, 40, died at his home in Orphanage Road, Watford, on April 11, 2002.

Mr Ratchford, a family man who had always been a hard worker, originally lived in the West Country.

St Albans Magistrates Court heard Mr Ratchford never took sick days and once went to work on crutches with a rising temperature.

Due to work pressure, Mr Ratchford and his wife, Tracy, moved to West London where Mr Ratchford hoped to work more regular hours and spend more time with his family.

However, he started working late and at weekends in an effort to meet bank targets.

In August 2001, when Mr Ratchford was due to turn 40, the family decided to emigrate and move to Australia.

Coroner Mr Edward Thomas said: "Andrew became preoccupied with his 40th birthday and with a tragic natural death that occurred within the family."

In November, Mr Ratchford confessed to his wife that he was in love with another woman. He eventually left his wife and family and moved in with his new partner into Reeds Chapel, Orphanage Road, Watford, about five weeks before he died.

But while living together Mr Ratchford became upset by his new partner's friendship with her ex-boyfriend.

On April 11 the couple argued. Mr Ratchford's lover went out and left him at home at 4pm. At about 8pm he sent her a text message asking if she would marry him, but she chose to ignore it as it was something he had done several times before.

When she got home from her ex-boyfriend's place at 11.30pm she found Mr Ratchford hanging from the ceiling.

The court also heard how on the day before he died, Mr Ratchford had contacted one of his friend and work colleague Ms Glenn Howard.

He sent her a text message saying that he would not be coming into work. She thought this was unusual as he rarely called in sick.

On the day of his death Mr Ratchford texted Ms Howard again saying that he needed to talk but had no one to speak to. The message said: "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

At 7.15pm on April 11, Ms Howard sent him a message saying she was a good listener and he could speak to her.

Mr Thomas said: "He was in quite a turmoil. He had been drinking in the evening which always heightens the sense of depression. His text messages indicate that he was depressed. I conclude that Mr Ratchford took his own life."

July 3, 2002 17:00