An ex-soldier from Felixstowe who was known to have been suffering from post traumatic stress disorder took his own life, Suffolk Coroners' Court has recorded.

An inquest heard that police discovered Donavon Francis on the floor of his Felixstowe home on April 22 last year, and there were no suspicious circumstances into his death.

Mr Francis' ex-girlfriend had asked police to carry out a welfare check as friends and family had not seen or heard from him for some time.

Suffolk Coroner's Court was told how Mr Francis, who served in the army from 2004 to 2012, had been suffered from PTSD following an incident in the army.

He had been struggling with alcohol dependency as well as anxiety and depression at the time of his death, although he had sought help.

The inquest heard how Mr Francis, 37, had been prescribed anti-depressants but his mother said he stopped taking these as they made him feel unwell. She also explained that Mr Francis would drink alcohol to help him sleep.

His mother said in a statement that the family 'never expected him to commit suicide' and described him as having previously had a 'positive outlook on life and a happy go lucky attitude'.

Prior to his death, Mr Francis had a car crash while driving under the influence, which meant he lost his car and his job. He had also been made bankrupt.

A post mortem examination found Mr Francis had a blood alcohol level of 240mg per 100ml of blood at the time of his death, which is three times the drink-drive limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood.

Mr Daniel Sharpstone, assistant coroner for Suffolk, recorded Mr Francis' death as a suicide.

To talk to someone or seek help, call Samaritans on 116 123 or contact Suffolk Mind via their website here.