The hearing was told a pub worker driving home at around 1.30am discovered Mr Southgate and raised the alarm, shouting for help and alerting neighbours. Toxicology tests showed Mr Southgate had consumed alcohol and a significant amount of cocaine prior to his death. The inquest heard Mr Southgate, a Coverack fisherman, had been struggling following the breakdown of his marriage. A close friend told the hearing Mr Southgate had become increasingly distressed about the separation. Recording a conclusion of suicide, Mr Cox said he was satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that Mr Southgate intended to take his own life.