A FATHER-OF-TWO who was found dead at a former school site had committed suicide, an inquest heard.

Neil Kennerley, 44, from Burnley, was found by officers at the former Habergham High School in Byron Street, on Wednesday, August 17.

The inquest at Burnley Magistrates’ Court heard the former Burnley Belvedere Boys Football Club coach had left his house on Caernarvon Avenue two days before.

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Mary Reid, the former tree surgeon’s partner, said she thought he had slept downstairs on August 15, and woke up the following morning and presumed he had gone out.

The following day, after checking with friends, the police were called and a search was carried out to find Mr Kennerley.

On August 17, Mr Kennerley was found hanged.

Coroner Richard Taylor was told Mr Kennerley and his partner had conflict with their landlord and were in the process of moving out of their home.

Mr Kennerley was also in discussion with his boss over the future of his job, which he had done for 10 years.

At the inquest, Miss Reid, who had been with Mr Kennerley for 22 years, said he also complained of back pain.

She said: “Neil had complained of back trouble before and had several minor injuries over the years.

“It came as a massive shock, we knew he was under pressure but he had never been diagnosed with any mental health issues.”

Dr Deepa Jacob, a pathologist and consultant at Royal Blackburn Hospital, carried out the post-mortem examination and discovered Mr Kennerley had 111 milligrams per litre of alcohol in his blood, but this was not a toxic level.

She said: “We looked into the back issue Mr Kennerley had complained about and this was not seen as life threatening.”

Mr Taylor concluded Mr Kennerley had died from suicide.

He said: “Mr Kennerley obviously took his problems very seriously and very personally, relating to his work and his back.

“I believe Mr Kennerley had died sometime overnight between 15 and 16 of August despite being found on August 17.

“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Miss Reid and her two son’s at what is inevitable a very difficult time in their lives.”

After the inquest, Miss Reid said: “Neil was a really happy man, he had a really happy character.

“It was a real shock to us at the time.

“It’s been very difficult for the family.”

Mr Kennerley leaves behind his two sons, Nathan, 19, and Logan, seven.