James Utting took his own life by diving in front of a lorry in Devizes last September, an inquest heard. Mr Utting, 37, who lived with his girlfriend in Thackery Crescent, Melksham, was suffering from depression.

Roger William, from Somerset, was driving his lorry along the A342 Nursteed Road near the Fox and Hounds Pub after finishing a delivery on September 26.

He was an experienced self-employed lorry driver, who was driving under the 40mph speed limit towards Urchfont.

The inquest heard how Mr William saw a pedestrian walking along the side of the carriageway. He said there was no reason for him to cross the carriage way as there was nowhere to cross to. The pedestrian was later identified as Mr Utting.

Mr William said Mr Utting took a step off the pavement and then appeared to crouch down in a diving position. He said he did not fall or trip in anyway.

Mr William tried to slow down by pumping his brakes but the vehicle jackknifed in the road while trying to avoid Mr Utting. The lorry ended up across both carriageways.

The police said Mr William did everything he could to avoid hitting Mr Utting.

After the collision Mr William was very shaken but uninjured. By the time he got out of his cab the police had arrived at the scene.

Mr Utting suffered serious head injuries and was flown by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance to the Great Western Hospital, Swindon.

Due to the seriousness of his injuries he was later transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford where he died on September 28 with his family at his side.

Before the collision another driver had seen Mr Utting crossing at the roundabout. He caught his eye and said he had a vacant look about him and something did not look right about him.

The inquest heard how the driver considered calling the police but thought he would sound stupid.

Coroner Richard van Oppen recorded the verdict that Mr Utting had taken his own life.

"I can't say it is an accident with the evidence before me. I express my deep sympathy to the family," he said.