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Sevenoaks: Carl Barnett found hanging in Knole Park battled with depression

A man who was found hanging from a tree left heart-wrenching notes apologising to his parents and daughter, an inquest heard.

Carl Barnett, who grew up in Sevenoaks before moving away, was found hanging in Knole Park in April.

A resident living nearby discovered the 41-year-old when she was walking through the national park grounds.

The body was discovered in Knole Park, Sevenoaks
The body was discovered in Knole Park, Sevenoaks

Mr Barnett, who was born in Kingston, London, worked as a gardener for West-Sussex based company, Worthing Homes.

Staff at the organisation planted a tree in the former Wildernesse pupil's memory in the weeks after his death.

A spokesman for the company said: "Although Carl had only been with us for two months he was a keen worker and had become a much-loved part of the Greenspace team.

"Our thoughts go out to Carl’s family and friends."

Before working for Worthing Homes, Mr Barnett was employed as part of Edenbridge Town Council's gardening department for 11 years.

An inquest into his death was held at Gravesend Old Town Hall today.

Gravesend Old Town Hall, High Street.
Gravesend Old Town Hall, High Street.

Speaking at the hearing, Det Sgt Fullerton, said: "Mr Barnett was in debt at the time of his death. He was also suffering from depression and was not taking his prescribed medication.

"He was not allowed much access to his daughter."

Det Sgt Fullerton said Mr Barnett had previously tried to take his own life through a concoction of pills and alcohol.

The court heard the last time Mr Barnett saw his eight-year-old daughter was at Knole Park in early April.

"My darling, I love you so much I am sorry, Daddy" - Carl Barnett

Detectives found two folded pieces of paper in his pockets. One read: "I am so sorry, Mum. I can't carry on any more."

The other, to Mr Barnett's young daughter, read: "My darling, I love you so much. I am sorry, Daddy."

Further notes to the 41-year-old's parents and child were discovered in his home in Worthing, where he lived with his mother.

These were not read out to the court.

The last time Mr Barnett was seen was by his mother on the morning of his death. Det Sgt Fullerton said: "He was seen around 7.15am when he said he was leaving for work but his mum later discovered he did not turn up."

Senior coroner, Roger Hatch, returned a verdict of suicide.

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 at any time.

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