A grieving mum broke down in court as she heard for the first time a heart-rending suicide note left on the phone of her 20-year-old son.

The tragic message was read out at the inquest into the death of William Woledge, who took his own life at home in Ersham Road, Canterbury.

His family had not been told the note existed, only learning of it at the hearing on Tuesday – five months after William’s death.

It had been written in the notes section of the popular young man’s mobile phone, almost three weeks before he was found hanged on January 1 this year.

DI Kathleen Way read the message to Margate Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.

“I’m so blase about this because I welcome it with a salute and smile" - Excerpt from the note read to the family

William wrote: “Just know I’m happy now I’m no longer here, and I honestly mean this.

“I’ve been too sad for too long.

“I never thought it would’ve come to this but life goes on.

“I’m so blase about this because I welcome it with a salute and smile.

“I’ve tortured my body for nine years and my soul wants to stay but I’m detached now.

“I can’t go on like this.”

The inquest was also told William had been hit hard by the death two years ago of his grandfather, who he mentioned in the note, writing: “I’ll see you soon grandad, I’ve missed your fat embrace.”

William’s grandmother asked assistant coroner Ian Goldup why it had taken so long for the family to learn of the note.

Mr Goldup said he could not answer the question as it did not form part of the proceedings.

In a written statement, William’s mum, Jenny Woledge, told how she was aware of his severe depression and had sought medical help for him in the months before he died.

She said she had become concerned about him on the day of his death.

This will be looked into to see how their distress on the day could have been saved” - Tony Beldam, KCC coroner’s office manager

Bosses at Sainsbury’s in Faversham, where he worked in the bakery, had called her to say William had not arrived at work.

Mrs Woledge returned home to find him dead upstairs.

Recalling William’s mood in December last year, she said: “He was withdrawn, but then he started talking and we had made plans together and he was really looking forward to the new year.”

After William’s death, almost 500 friends joined a Facebook group set up in his memory.

His GP, Gillian Robinson, said he had assured her in the month before his death he no longer had thoughts of taking his own life.

Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner Ian Goldup said: “My sympathy is with his family and I am sorry for their pain.”

Police spokesman Sally Smith said after the inquest: “Our sympathies are with Mr Woledge’s family and friends. The inquest is held in a coroner’s court and information contained in the police report can only be released at the discretion of the coroner.”

Tony Beldam, KCC coroner’s office manager, said: “If there is any complaint from the family, then we will respond to them. This will be looked into to see how their distress on the day could have been saved.”

Anyone feeling desperate or suicidal can call Canterbury Samaritans in confidence on 01227 457777.

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