A HEREFORD man left notes for his family before a fatal car crash, an inquest has heard.

Peter Robert Smith, of Wyedean Rise, Belmont, was killed when his silver Renault Clio mounted the verge and hit a tree at speed as he drove along the B4352 towards Bredwardine.

The 51-year-old was taken to Hereford County Hospital by ambulance where he was confirmed dead on October 17, 2017.

The inquest heard that the computer consultant was suffering from depression, anxiety and insomnia after police searched his home.

They seized computer hardware and he was arrested three days before his death.

Mr Smith had sought help from his doctor due to his low mood and had described fleeting thoughts of self-harm, but denied suicidal thoughts.

Assistant county coroner Roland Wooderson concluded that Mr Smith died from multiple injuries and trauma sustained in the crash, and that the evidence overwhelmingly indicated that Mr Smith took his own life.

Mr Wooderson paid his condolences to Mr Smith’s family and recorded a verdict of suicide at last week’s inquest.