A MAN who had battled with schizophrenia for 27 years hanged himself in the garden of his family home.

An Oxford inquest heard a police search was launched when Alec Hodson’s parents Anita and Peter could not find him after returning to their home in Garsington, from a short errand on September 5 last year.

A police helicopter team spotted his body in the back garden.

Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter recorded a verdict that the 46-year-old took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.

Mr Salter added: “He had a great deal of support from his family but sadly on this occasion he did take his life and there is a note to that effect.”

The inquest heard Mr Hodson had been diagnosed with the disorder, which causes paranoia and delusions, at the age of 19. He had attempted to take his own life previously.