A FRITWELL man with a history of mental health problems took his own life after spending the afternoon in the pub, an inquest heard yesterday.

Ralph Pratley, 48, of Forge Place, was found hanged at his home by his friend Jonathan Howes on Saturday, December 3.

Coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict that he took his own life.

He said: “I am quite satisfied that he has hanged himself in the late afternoon of December 3 and that he did know what he was doing.”

During Mr Pratley’s post mortem examination, alcohol was found in his system.

Mr Howes said: “I have known him for about 15 years and we used to work together doing roofing.

“During the day on Saturday he called me and said he was going for a drink in the pub. It was usual for us to go to the King’s Head.”

Later in the day, after they had both left the pub, Mr Howes went to Mr Pratley’s house.

He said: “There was no reply so I went around to the back of the bungalow. The kitchen light was on so I knocked on the back door.”

After getting no reply Mr Howes went into the house and found his friend.

He attempted to lift him down but by the time Mr Pratley was on the floor he was dead.

GP Dr Martyn Chambers, from Deddington Health Centre, said Mr Pratley had a history of mental health problems, including in May 2009 when he felt suicidal.

Police officers who were called to the scene said they found nothing suspicious about the death.