A father-of-three hanged himself after battling a gambling addiction.

Liam McEwen, 29, was found in Otterspool Lane, Bushey, at around 6.30am, on August 24, 2016.

A dog walker noticed Mr McEwen at around 6am but thought he was unloading rubbish from his van. He became concerned when he walked past again, 30 minutes later, and noticed he was in the same position.

He alerted a jogger who approached Mr McEwen and found that he had no pulse.

The tracker on Mr McEwen’s van showed that he arrived at Otterspool Lane at around 4am. He had very small traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system, and there was an empty bottle of vodka on the roof of his van, an inquest heard today.

He had been on a number of gambling sites in the days that led up to his death and had texted his boss asking him to pay his car loan.

In a message addressed to his wife and children, he apologised for never having money and for being a gambler.

Hertfordshire Coroners’ Court heard that he saw a doctor in 2014 because he believed he had depression. He was signed up for counselling sessions but never attended them.

Coroner Graham Danbury recorded a conclusion of suicide and told Mr McEwen's family and friends to continue supporting one another.

For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or attend a local Samaritans branch.