A 35-year-old father took his own life in an isolated rural area, a Preston inquest was told.

Colin James Dean, of Sefton Street, Southport, was anxious about an impending court appearance.

Area coroner Kate Bissett recorded a suicide conclusion at a hearing at Preston Coroners Court.

The hearing was told that Mr Dean had been "tagged" as a result of a complaint and had split up from his partner. He was depressed and concerned about his court appearance.

He was found dead in a rural location in Whitehouse Lane, Scarisbrick, in July 2024.

Det Insp Sam Johnson, of Lancashire police, said there were no suspicious circumstances.

He said the allegation against Mr Dean was being dealt with by Merseyside police but he felt sure that all safeguarding and risk assessments would have been done.

Pathologist Dr Neil Papworth said in a statement the cause of death was hanging.

Coroner Ms Bissett said Mr Dean, a painter and decorator, was obviously in crisis about the future and meant to kill himself.

She recorded a suicide conclusion.