An electrician took his life after going through periods of paranoia.

Stephen Fosbraey was found at his home in Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne, on Tuesday, February 27, last year. He was 52.

The father-of-four had become paranoid in the days leading up to his death, an inquest heard today.

In a conversation with his daughter the day before he was found, he said he thought he had been followed while riding his bicycle.

He also thought people were waiting outside his home.

He phoned police on Monday, February 26, and an appointment was made for an officer to visit him the next day to discuss the report.

Officer Matthew Lees went to Mr Fosbraey's home but got no answer.

PC Lees then visited Mr Fosbraey's parents' house to make sure he was not there before going back to Sittingbourne Police Station where he planned to submit a missing person report.

Before he could do that, he returned to Chalkwell Road where two family members had got into the house.

They were met by splatters of blood on the upstairs landing and a locked bedroom door.

The officer kicked the door in and discovered Mr Fosbraey inside with two stab wounds and other deep cuts.

Attempts were made to try to revive him.

In evidence read out at the inquest at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone, Mr Fosbraey's daughter said her father struggled with drink and drugs and he was using cannabis.

A toxicologist report confirmed there were traces of the drug in his blood.

The inquest heard she said: "Dad had periods of paranoia for many years and I had concerns he was schizophrenic.

"Dad's never sought help for his mental health and it has never been regular enough for me to contact his GP."

Mr Fosbraey had previously attended meetings at the addiction rehabilitation service, Turning Point, in 2015 and successfully completed a course to help with alcohol addiction.

Area coroner Bina Patel concluded Mr Fosbraey's death was an act of suicide.

Anyone in need of emotional support is urged to call the Samaritans on 116 123. Kent County Council's Release the Pressure campaign also urges people to call 0800 107 0160 where support is available from trained and experienced mental health staff, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne.