Sheffield accountant found dead last spoke about mental health with doctor eight years ago

An inquest in Sheffield today found that an accountant died at home after taking his own life.
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The coroner heard that accountant Michael Godson, who was 59 and divorced, was found at his house on Tinker Lane, Sheffield on March 24 this year.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The cause of death was found by a pathologist to be hanging.

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Police were called to the home of Mr Godson following reports of concern for his welfare as he had not been seen since the day before.

Sheffield Coroner's Court, where the inquest was held Sheffield Coroner's Court, where the inquest was held
Sheffield Coroner's Court, where the inquest was held

When they got to the house they saw that the front curtains were drawn and there was a car in the driveway, however nobody answered the door.

Police saw no sign of Mr Godson when they looked in through a back window, and so forced their entry into the house.

Mr Godson was found in the hallway of his home. There was no sign of a struggle.

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Dr Heather Inniss, of Crookes Medical Practise, told the coroner that Mr Godson had last visited her to speak about his mental health in 2012.

At that point he had told her that he had not been taking medication he had been prescribed for mental illness ‘for some time’.

Mr Godson spoke to Dr Inniss again in 2019, when he did not report any mental health difficulties. He also had a routine appointment in March 2020, where mental health was not discussed.

Assistant Coroner Tanyka Rawden recorded a verdict of suicide.

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If you’re feeling suicidal or concerned about someone, Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. You can also email Samaritans at [email protected]

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