Coroner Michael Moyle has expressed concern at the number of hangings by men in the Isle of Man and warned the community should steel itself for more deaths.

Mr Moyle said hanging had almost become a male prerogative and there seemed to be little hope of the trend ending.

The comments came at the inquest into the death of Terence Sean Mitchell, whose body was found at his father's home in Douglas in September.

Dan Walker reports: (play audio clip, text attached below)

The court heard Mr Mitchell had a long history of mental health problems; he'd suffered hallucinations and had been admitted for a voluntary stay at Grianagh Court mental health unit in July.

His psychiatrist told Mr Moyle he was very surprised to hear of Mr Mitchell's death as he'd been making good progress and did not have a history of self-harm or suicidal tendencies.

Mr Mitchell was discovered hanging from the stairs by his brother, at their father's home in Terence Avenue.

A suicide verdict was recorded and the coroner extended his sympathy to the victim's family.