THE inquest into a man who left a £10,000 cheque to his wife before taking his own life has been held.

Oxfordshire Coroners' Court heard of the death of Gerhard Jonas, of Faringdon, who died on the railway at Fernham Bridge. He died on March 19, just one mile from his family home in Elm Side.

The court heard how the retired mechanic, who owned a successful garage in Long Hanborough, was found on the railway line in the early hours by a passing freight train. It is believed he was struck by an earlier train.

ALSO READ: Latest court results for Oxfordshire

Emergency services found Mr Jonas' car parked nearby and two notes inside. One note contained a cheque for £10,000 to his wife Janet Jonas.

Assistant coroner for Oxfordshire Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp described how Mr Jonas had been staying at his mother's home in Standlake, after she had been taken ill in hospital.

The court heard how Mr Jonas was very close to his mother and how the family had recently been told of his mother's terminal diagnosis.

The coroner added: "It looks as though Mr Jonas was very close to his mother, seeing her everyday since she was admitted to hospital, and recently was informed of her terminal illness.

"As a result of the terrible news it appears [Mr Jonas] has taken steps to end his own life.

The conclusion was that of suicide.