GAZETTE & HERALD: THE family of Steven Mabbort, who was found hanged in the garage of his home at Tellcroft Way, Corsham, have told how he had struggled with depression for the last ten years.

Mr Mabbort, 26, lived alone and had been working as a computer programmer at Hartham Park.

His body was discovered by neighbours on April 13. They had gone to the house because they were concerned that lights had been left on for several days, but no-one had seen Mr Mabbort.

Speaking from his home in Guildford in Surrey, Mr Mabbort's father, Tom, said he and his wife Chris had also been concerned after not hearing from their son for ten days.

He had not returned their phone calls and they had planned to come down to Wiltshire on April 13 to see what was wrong.

Mr Mabbort said: "Steve had suffered with depression for ten years, and was constantly striving to find an answer to his condition.

"On New Year's Eve 2000 he admitted himself to the Royal United Hospital at Bath, and stayed there for treatment for four months.

"He managed to attend work during this time, but returned each evening to the security of the hospital."

As well as battling with depression, Mr Mabbort had been made redundant twice.

His father said: "After achieving a First Class Honours degree in engineering from the University of Aberystwyth, his first job was at Jay Dee Technology in Bath working with Dr John Hunt.

"Steve really enjoyed his time at Jay Dee Technology and made many long lasting friendships, but he was made redundant due to a work shortage, and returned to Guildford in 2002.

"He worked voluntarily for Age Concern in Guildford, and at his own expense set up and installed their website and Local Area Network system.

"Before he could seriously search for a new job, Jay Dee Technology offered him another position working for them at Hartham Park, following acquisitions of new contracts."

But Mr Mabbort said his son was made redundant again due to the slump in the technology field.

He said: "He remained at Hartham Park working on a temporary basis. Jay Dee Technology was extremely supportive to Steve at this difficult time in his life."

Jay Dee Technology technical director John Hurt said: "When he was working for us he was just brilliant. You couldn't have said anything against him. He was a wonderful person."

Mr Mabbort paid tribute to all those who had supported and loved their son, particularly thanked his neighbours.

Police are not treating Mr Mabbort's death as suspicious, but WPC Caroline Daly would like to hear from anybody who saw him after April 2.

She can be contacted at Corsham Police on (01249) 712172.