A MAN died after making a second attempt to take his own life, a coroner had decided.

Colin Shaw, 52, was found at his home in Abbots Walk, Pen Y Maes, Holywell, where it had appeared he had taken an overdose.

An inquest in Mold was told he was found by Paul Richards, his neighbour and friend, before being taken to hospital in an unconscious state. He died later.

Close friend Tracey Saeed told the hearing: “He was friendly, kind, big-hearted and gentle.”

Mr Shaw moved to Queensferry with his mum in 2000 and cared for her until her death.

He lost his brother, father and grandmother all in a short space of time and Ms Saeed said: “He fought with depression. He was lost.

“I thought he was getting through it, but I was wrong.”

Mr Shaw had previously tried to take his own life and, as a result, suffered long-term health problems.

With the help of Ms Saeed, Mr Shaw was moved into a flat in Holywell and made friends with neighbours.

The hearing heard Mr Shaw, a lover of the countryside, would often fabricate stories, which made sense in his own mind, such as having a girlfriend, Sharon.

He had met Sharon, a nurse, in hospital and although she knew Mr Shaw, she had no social contact with him.

Before his death Mr Shaw appeared to be upset about a break-up with Sharon which, the hearing was told, would have been of a great loss to him due to his active imagination.

He was discharged from the support of his care worker because he did not maintain contact and John Gittins, coroner for North Wales East and Central, wondered he was discharged so easily.

He added: “I can’t help thinking objectively that these are the people who have the most need for support.”

Mr Shaw had been found by neighbour Mr Richards, who had tried calling previously and had heard nothing.

He went around to his home and found him slumped on the chair, breathing heavily.

He was taken to hospital around midday but was pronounced dead at about 2.15pm on June 25.

The inquest heard it was believed he had taken his own life with painkillers used to treat his chronic back pain as he was registered as disabled.

Mr Gittins said the post-mortem results showed Mr Shaw to have 10 times the therapeutic dose of codeine in his system alongside a toxic level of paracetamol.

He said: “On the balance of probability, I believe he would have understood what he was doing and it was his intention to cause harm to himself.”

Mr Gittins concluded it was a suicide death.

He told those who had given evidence: “Thank you on Colin’s behalf for your friendship and everything you have done for this man.

“I want to thank you for attending today and for your continuing support.”