AN apprentice mechanic was found hanged in his garage after recently breaking up with a girlfriend, an inquest heard.

The inquest into the death of Craig Anthony Voice, aged 18, was held at Dorset County Hall where coroner Michael Johnston recorded an open verdict.

Mr Johnston said that Mr Voice was discovered on April 22, hanged from a rope in the garage of the family home in Jubilee Way in Blandford.

A statement from pathologist Dr Mark Deverell, which was read out by Mr Johnston, concluded that the cause of death was hanging.

Mr Johnston said: “It appears that Craig had split up with his girlfriend and he was very upset about it but it appeared that he was beginning to get over it.

“He went out with some friends and he had a bit to drink and he appeared to have come back, come into the house when his parents heard him in the early hours and then I suspect gone out to the garage. He seems to have used the folding table or work bench to gain height and to have tied the rope.

“He was found hanging from the rope in the garage.”

Mr Johnston recorded an open verdict.