War veteran pens touching suicide note

Westminster Coroner's Court heard on Wednesday that his brother Harry, who lives in the flat directly above Mr Stone's, had been due to take him to St Mary's hospital, in Praed Street, Paddington, that morning.

Mr Stone suffered from several illnesses including depression, and spent much of his time either in hospital or bed-bound at home.

When his brother arrived at the flat at around 8am to take him to hospital, Mr Stone did not answer the door which had been double-locked from the inside.

Police officers were called to break down the door, where he found his brother lying dead on the bed.

Deputy coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said a note to his brother was found next to Mr Stone's body.

She said: "He has made a clear decision to end his own life because he didn't wish to be a burden on his family, and in particular his brother. He wishes him a healthy and happy life."

A post mortem examination, carried out Dr Michael Osborn, found Mr Stone had taken no alcohol or drugs.

Dr Radcliffe recorded a verdict of suicide.