A "lovely and kind" 28-year-old took his own life after his mental health struggles worsened during lockdown, an inquest has heard.

Dean Rowe passed away at his home in Chadwick Close, Northfleet on July 31 aged just 28.

The former Chatham Grammar School for Boys pupil had a history of depression and anxiety but had not sought professional medical help in at least two and a half years.

He was found at the home he shared with his ex partner of six years upon her return from work.

Dean, who worked as a sales advisor for a health company in Dartford, had been out drinking at the pub the night before and called in sick the next day complaining of a low mood.

A statement from his former girlfriend, who continued to live with Dean, was read aloud at a hearing held at The Shepway Centre, Maidstone yesterday.

In it she described to the court how the pair had exchanged texts leading up to his death in which he confessed he was "sad about breaking up" and had said "bye" on several occasions.

But his behaviour was not considered out of the ordinary and there was no indication of his intentions.

Dean had previously taken attempts to end his own life by overdose and had self harmed in the past, the inquest heard.

A toxicology report found Dean had cocaine and a small amount of alcohol in his system from the night before.

It was suggested by the coroner this could have been a contributing factor to his death and its use "may have exacerbated his low mood and depression".

Recording a cause of death of suspension and a conclusion of suicide, assistant coroner Alan Blunsdon said: "I'm abundantly satisfied that Dean intended by the means which he adopted to take his own life and did by his own hand take his own life.

"I extend my deepest sympathies on the sad death of Dean and I hope the inquest gives answers to a number of questions they would have wanted answered."

'He was a great son we are going to miss him like hell...'

His inquest was attended by mum Pamela Holman and dad Kevin Rowe, alongside other family members.

Speaking after yesterday's hearing grandmother Sheila Rowe said it had come as shock, adding she felt the lockdown may have contributed to his feelings of isolation.

Mrs Rowe went on to describe Dean as a "lovely" and "kind" young man who as a youngster had shown promise as a footballer and "loved playing golf and snooker and wanted to go out with friends".

Dad Kevin added: "He was a great son we are going to miss him like hell."

A further statement from family members posted online read: "Dean will be forever missed by his loving family and many friends.

"We will always cherish the moments we had with you and we will always have you in our hearts."

"If desired, donations in Dean's memory may be made via this page for MIND. MIND was a charity that Dean very well respected.

"He once said that if he won the lottery, he would love to donate to MIND. So if desired, please contribute with any donations to this charitable organisation."

To donate to MIND in Dean's memory click here.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here

If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here.

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