THE FORMER First Minister has said the inquest into a former Welsh Government Minister has driven an 'unnatural wedge' between people.

The inquest into the death of Carl Sargeant, former AM for Alyn and Deeside, concluded on Thursday.

Taking to social media, Carwyn Jones, former FM said: "This has been a difficult time for everyone, the family most of all and I offer them my deepest condolences for a loss that it inevitable still incredibly painful.

"The nature of these proceedings has meant there appeared to be two sides in this matter, and whilst I agree that arguments are tested, the process has driven an unnatural wedge between people who remain united at the very least in their ongoing shock, trauma and grief.

"Nobody wanted this, and nobody could have foreseen it. Suicide is a shattering experience and I hope some healing can now begin."

Carl Sargeant took his own life on November 7, 2017.

In the inquest into his death, John Gittins, senior coroner North Wales (East and Central) concluded that Mr Sargeant had intended to take his own life on November 7, 2017 - four days after his dismissal from cabinet.

Mr Gittins said he was concerned over the level of support given to outgoing Ministers and would issue a prevention of future deaths report to Welsh Government.

Speaking out after the inquest, Jack Sargeant AM said it had been 611 days since the death of his father.

He added: "At times it seems to have been forgotten that this was an inquest into the death of a dearly beloved husband, father, son and brother.

"Instead it has felt more like a criminal trial. All too often politics have been at play with the sole aim of blackening a dead man’s name to protect another. Where has been the humanity in that?"