Taxi Driver Online

Barnstaple taxi driver took his own life, inquest hears



THE family of a Barnstaple taxi driver are still in the dark as to why he took his own life, an inquest has heard.

Paul Anderson, of Sticklepath Hill, was found at a tree near his home by his neighbour on November 16 last year.

He was 47 when he died and had no ongoing health issues, an inquest on Friday heard.

But he had complained to friends of having “dark thoughts” shortly before his death and his sister said she was aware he was unhappy.

Paul’s sister Anita Anderson said: “He was depressed and had been for some time but I didn’t realise the extent of it.”

Neighbour Scott Walton said he was driving near Mr Anderson’s home when he saw what he thought was a man standing under a tree. But when he got closer he realised it was his neighbour hanging from a branch.

Mark Hinds was Paul’s friend and regularly invited him to his home for a cup of tea.

He said Paul, who started working for VK Taxis shorlty before his death, had last visited him on November 2.

“I noticed a difference,” he said.

“We would always set the world to rights but this time he was relentless and seemed to have an axe to grind.

“Me and my wife asked what was wrong and he said he was feeling down.”

Mr Hinds said that when he was out of the room, Paul mentioned to his wife he had been having “dark thoughts” but did not elaborate.

He said: “Paul gave me no indication he was having suicidal thoughts and as far as I am aware he had no money worries.”

Coroner John Tomalin said: “Other than the comment about him having some dark thoughts the way he died I’m sure came as a complete shock to his friends and family.

“It doesn’t seem he had any particular concerns about money or health.”

The coroner concluded that Paul had taken his own life.

Paul’s father Alan Anderson said: “We’re all completely in the dark about why he did it.”

The Samaritans are available for anyone who is struggling to cope. You can call anytime on 08457 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org.


Read more: http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/Barn ... z36r9gtgeL

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

That didn't take long then.

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IDFIMH

I've always said that taxi/Ph driving is the worst job in the world for people who struggle with being their own company, too much time to think.

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

sad but true

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin