A RETIRED library assistant was driven to take his own life after suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a coroner said.

The badly decomposed body of Stephen Bradshaw was found at his flat in Cholesbury Grange, Headington, on May 7. It is believed he died sometime in April after taking an overdose of drugs.

Paracetamol were found nearby alongside a note explaining OCD had taken over his life, a coroner heard on Thursday at County Hall, Oxford.

Sufferers of the anxiety condition can have intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts with repetitive compulsions, impulses or urges.

Recording a verdict that he took his own life, assistant deputy Oxfordshire coroner Peter Clark, said: “It was clear from the note he was expressing regret that he could not continue his life – stating regret for those left behind and stating the debilitating effect the OCD had on him.

“The rituals he had to carry out prevented him from leading an ordinary life.”

A statement by Mr Bradshaw’s GP Caitlin Chasser said he was diagnosed with OCD in 1977 and also suffered depression and insomnia.

His body was discovered by the estate manager of Cholesbury Grange, Andrew Galloway.

Thames Valley Police crime scene investigator Nathan Stonehouse said a note was found on the kitchen table and the name of his doctor and next kin was in his pocket.