A MAN who took his own life in Witney is part of a growing number of people to fall through the cracks of the system, an inquest heard.

Mark Bugler, 36, hanged himself at his Manor Road home in August after years of fighting depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress and alcoholism.

The assistant coroner, who described the death as a ‘terrible waste’, delivered a verdict of suicide at Oxford Coroner’s Court last week after suggesting Mr Bugler was ‘one of a growing number of individuals to fall between two stools’.

Part of his personal turmoil was the result of an incident 10 years ago in which he killed a cyclist on the road in Hertfordshire while drunk behind the wheel of his van. He spent time in jail because of the incident and would go on to suffer from post-traumatic stress as a result of what happened.

Mr Bugler, who was described by his family as ‘incredibly funny, caring and kind’, spent the night before his death having a few drinks with his neighbour before heading home in the early hours of August 7.

He briefly returned and asked for some food before again going back to his flat. This was the last time he was ever seen alive.

The next morning, Jaime Seton, Mr Bugler’s sister, was trying to contact her brother to ensure he attended an appointment with Turning Point, a substance abuse care provider.

When Mr Bugler didn’t answer the phone she became concerned and went to his house, where she found he had hanged himself in the bedroom.

The former aircraft inspector left no note but was known to suffer from long term problems with mental health and addiction. He had engaged with support services and healthcare professionals over these problems but never quite found the care he needed.

Assistant coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp and Mr Bugler’s family seemed to agree that, if more support had been available, he may still be alive today.

Mrs Seton, 40, of Leafield, said: “He was so consumed by alcohol, depression and anxiety but deep down all he wanted was to be happy and have a normal life.

“It wasn’t a selfish act. He just couldn’t live with the demons and thoughts that were constantly running through his head.

“What he needed was long-term psychiatric help and it wasn’t there for him.”

Mrs Seton praised first responders like paramedics and police but said there needed to be more investment in preventative solutions to mental health problems.

During the inquest, a picture was painted of a man who had not given up hope of recovery.

Ms Rhodes-Kemp said: “All assessments indicate he was someone desperate to rid himself of alcohol and drugs. It’s a terrible shame and such a waste.

"I would like to see a more comprehensive level of support for people in this position. I think there could be more."