A JILTED boyfriend hanged himself from the crossbar of football goalposts at his local park after a break-up with his pregnant girlfriend, an inquest heard.

Aaron James had picked the spot for his suicide after being told by the mother of his unborn child they had no future together.

The 23-year-old who was known by friends as Jordan, had been living with girlfriend of a year, Nicola Smith, but moved out two weeks before his death on March 11.

He had several unsuccessful reconciliation meetings with Miss Smith, who was five months pregnant at the time and constantly argued in phone calls prior to his death, the inquest at Old County Hall was told.

Mr James took his own life in Cowley Marsh Park. He was discovered by a late-night walker who found his body.

Mr James, of Fairacres Road, Iffley, had penned suicide notes to his close friends and family, including Miss Smith, the night before taking his life after pinpointing his preferred location in a visit to the park where he had previously enjoyed kickabouts with friends.

The inquest heard the notes were found by police officers in a rucksack on his back and said simply: “Sorry it had to end like this.”

Friend Machias Harry said in a police statement which was read to the inquest in Oxford: “Jordan said he was at a park where we used to play football. I asked him what he was doing there and he said: ‘preparing myself’.

“I didn't know what he had meant by it at the time.”

Mr James also spoke to another friend, Kelly Head, the day before his death, this time telling her “I’ve picked the perfect spot.”

Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner said: “I have to conclude that Mr James took his own life.”