A FATHER-of-three was found dead in a van parked in lay-by, an inquest heard.

Paul Borley who had been missing for more than a day was found dead in the back of a van parked in the lay-by on Mountbatten Way, Southampton.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard the 49-year-old from Ashley Lane, New Milton, had taken a van and a generator which belonged to his wife Sasha when he went missing on March 15.

The former pest controller was found dead by police officers the following day.

Pathologist Dr Jeffrey Theaker said Mr Borley died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Mr Borley who had separated from her husband, told the court that he had been feeling "down", which was made worse because of an anti-depressant he was taking called Sertraline.

She described him as a "really good dad" and said they were still close before his death.

Mrs Borley said: "Nothing had changed in the last few months of his life, the fact was we thought he was getting a bit better."

Mr Borley suffered from depression and also had alcohol problems, but had been virtually teetotal in the last 18 months before his death.

On the day he went missing on the morning of March 15, he phoned his daughter, who alerted Mrs Borley, who reported it to police.

Police scoured the New Forest car parks, and parts of Southampton including Mayflower Park and Southampton Docks. They also issued a media appeal to find him.

His family told the inquest they were surprised he was not found sooner, and had "deliberately" parked his van close to a police station so he could be "found".

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of suicide.

Mr Short said: "I do not know what led to him taking this action on March 15, it is unclear why at that time he went off like he did.

"It seems to me that he had planned this and it is a deliberate act and I believe that he chose to end his life."

"I do think the reason for his actions is never going to be established."