A suicide verdict has been recorded at an inquest into the death of a retired GP from Laxey.

Sixty-two-year-old Dr David Wallace Young died on the morning of Monday, August 16, at his home on the Ramsey Road.

Coroner Alastair Montgomerie heard he had never tried to harm himself before, but had been depressed for well over a year and was receiving psychiatric treatment.

Mr Montgomerie read out a number of witness statements, including one from Dr Young's wife, Sara. She said that during the weekend before his death they had been to Laxey beach and had relatives over for dinner, and there was nothing to suggest he was planning to take his own life.

Mrs Young found her husband in their bed and knew straight away that he was dead. He died from massive loss of blood from a self-inflicted wound to his upper leg. In his evidence Home Office forensic pathologist William Lawler said there was no evidence of a struggle and nothing to indicate the involvement of any other person.

Mr Montgomerie heard Dr Young was a much loved and respected man. He had three daughters and was due to become a grandfather again. He was an active man and had been a keen fell runner. Mrs Young described his as 'solid as a rock, and so dependable'.

Dr Young had been on the Island for 27 years and had been a local doctor in Laxey for most of that time. He retired last December because of depression.

He was Mr Montgomerie's own GP and the coroner described him as 'a true gentleman'. He said it was a particularly tragic case which had shocked the Isle of Man, but it was clear he had never intended to cause hurt, especially to his wife.