A YOUNG man from Widnes took his own life by falling from the Silver Jubilee Bridge, an inquest heard.

Tony Martyn Stuart Finlay, 22, of Alder Avenue, died on riverbank next to the River Mersey in Widnes on Sunday, September 21, last year.

At his inquest on Tuesday, March 3, at Warrington Coronor's Court, assistant coroner for Cheshire Dr Janet Napier said that Mr Finley 'took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed'.

The court heard from Sarah Buckley, Mr Finlay's partner, that he had been working as a customer service advisor for five months.

Dr Napier told the court that a police investigation against Mr Finlay took place before he died.

Mr Finlay's sister Emma Grimes said that she last saw him on the day he died, that he was 'really edgy' and 'very anxious', and that he was heading into town with friends to an arcade.

Miss Buckley said that Mr Finlay text her at 1.20pm to say he was 'on his way back', but his sister added that they kept attempting to contact him via phone and texts before reporting him missing to the police after 4pm.

A witness statement from Andrew Fairbrother read out in court by Dr Napier said he was at the beer garden of the Mersey pub, close to the Silver Jubilee Bridge, when he was approached by three Polish men from the car park who were pointing towards the water.

Mr Fairbrother's statement added that he found a man with his 'face down' by the river with 'no signs of life'.

Detective Constable Tracey Short from Runcorn CID read a statement from Detective Sergeant Lee Harrison, which said that in an area of mud there was an indication of an impression of 'where he landed'.

DC Short added that Mr Finlay's injuries were consistent with 'jumping from the bridge', that there was no third party involvement and CCTV was analysed.

A post-mortem showed that the deceased had suffered multiple injuries, had been taking mirtazapine – an antidepressant – and had used cannabis prior to his death.

Dr Alan Stanley, of the Healthcare Resource Centre on Oaks Place, consulted with Mr Finlay on Wednesday, September 17, and said he had been living with his partner and son.

Dr Stanley said Mr Finlay had not been eating well and not sleeping at the appointment and that he had been 'bottling things up for years'.

The doctor added that the deceased had 'suicidal thoughts' but that Mr Finlay 'had not made any plans'.

He added that he was due to have an appointment with Mr Finlay on September 23 and made a 'urgent referral' to psychiatric services.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Freeman-Dean from Cheshire's police professional standards said that the deceased was arrested on Sunday, September 14 and was seen the following morning by a mental health nurse and it was concluded that he could be 'released in the community' and that 'police stations and prisons are not the best places for somebody suffering with mental illness'.

The NHS 5 Borough's Partnership learning disability nurse who spoke to Mr Finlay was told by officers that the deceased had previously experienced some 'suicidal thoughts' and that police were 'concerned about his mental health'.

Mr Finlay was then referred to a mental health assessment team and was advised to visit his GP and seek help regarding depression.

Elizabeth Fellows from 5 Boroughs told the inquest that the deceased was called five days before he died by a mental health assessment team member and that he seemed 'chirpy and relaxed' but admitted to having suicidal thoughts but 'would not act' on them.