A HAVERFORDWEST plumber, who had suffered terrible anxiety about going blind, took his own life when his eyesight deteriorated, an inquest heard.

The body of 64-year-old Terrence William John, of Fir Trees, Snowdrop Lane, was found by police in a garage at his property on June 3.

At the August 30 inquest, held at Milford Haven Town Hall, Coroner’s Officer for Dyfed-Powys Police Jeremy Davies said Camrose-born Mr John had worked as a plumber for Pembrokeshire County Council for 40 years; but was on sick leave at the time of his death.

Married man Mr John had been in good physical health his whole life, other than developing problems with his eyesight in later years, with a cyst causing pain and poor central vision.

The inquest heard Mr John had suffered deep anxiety since childhood of losing his eyesight after witnessing someone lose their vision.

Mr John suffered depression at the age of 40 after his father-in-law passed away, suffering a breakdown and panic attacks, later suffering bouts of anxiety.

In February he became more anxious after his eyesight deteriorated, and was prescribed antidepressants, but only took two doses, fearing they may interfere with a forthcoming medical procedure on his eyes.

Mr John was last seen at 11pm the night before he died by his wife when they both went to bed.

The following morning his wife found a note stating he had gone out for a walk.

By 2.20pm he had not returned; he was reported to police as a missing person.

Officers arrived at Fir Trees, and, after a search, found the property’s garage doors were locked.

After forcing entry, the body of Mr John was found hanged from the roof.

He was, at 3pm that day, formally declared to have passed away.

A post-mortem report by Dr John Murphy gave the cause of death as by hanging.

Reaching a conclusion of suicide, HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire Mark Layton said: “Terrence William John, for many years, had concerns over his eyesight. When his eyesight did begin to deteriorate it has increased his anxiety.

“He took deliberate steps to end his life.”

If you are struggling to cope, or need someone to talk to, you can call Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. A Welsh language line is also available on 0808 164 0123.