A MAN killed himself because he was afraid of going back to prison, an inquest heard.

Simon Matthews, of Fairford Crescent, Penhill, was found hanging in his ground floor flat on December 3 last year.

The 41-year-old had been released from prison on licence but had been arrested for drink-driving on November 23, 2004.

Mr Matthews had learned skills in carpentry, furniture making and IT in prison.

He was released in June 2003 and began work at Manor Cabinets, Kelvin Road.

His employer, Christopher Smith, said: "He was an asset to the company."

But caught drink-driving Mr Matthews gave up hope.

His probation officer, Thomas Weedon, said: "He knew his licence would be revoked. Dealing with this incident would've sent him into a spiral of despair."

Police found him hanging in an open doorway from a leather belt, electric cable and a shoelace round his neck.

Recording a verdict that he killed himself, coroner David Masters, said: "He had put prison behind him and had become a responsible member of the community."