The death of an Elstree teacher was simply a tragic accident a Coroner's Court ruled this week.

Nicholas Maines, from Watling Court in Elstree High Street, was found dead on January 25 after a fall from a second floor balcony.

Police sealed off Elstree High Street for nine hours, but found nothing to suggest the well-respected mathematics teacher had killed himself or been murdered.

At St Albans Coroners Court on Monday, Coroner Edward Thompson recorded a verdict of accidental death, saying he did not believe 31-year-old Mr Maines had killed himself.

Mr Maines had been an excellent teacher, respected by colleagues and pupils. He had been concerned about his role as examinations officer, but not so upset he would have taken his own life.

"Nicholas Maines was a well-respected, meticulous person who liked to do things right and be in control of things.," said Mr Thompson.

"He was a very considerate person I would have expected him, if he had intended to kill himself, to have told people."

Mr Maines left no suicide note, and had been making plans for the future in the days leading up to his death.

His flat was impeccably clean and tidy, and he had not said he was upset when speaking to friends and relatives before his death.

Because there was no evidence that Mr Maines had killed himself, or been murdered, the coroner concluded that the death had been a tragic accident.

Mr Maines' family thanked the coroner and the police for their sensitive handling of the case.

June 12, 2002 13:00