A popular butcher had appeared “distressed” and told doctors he was thinking of taking his own life in the week before he was found dead.

Carl Worgan, 44, who ran shops in Canterbury and Faversham under his name, had seen medical professionals multiple times in the days before his death and seemed “agitated”, an inquest heard.

The much-loved father-of-three was discovered dead at his home in the early hours of January 13, having barricaded himself in a room.

At the inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone on Monday, a coroner concluded that having considered the evidence and the results of a post-mortem, Mr Worgan had intended to take his own life.

The family man was the face of CA Worgan’s Butchers, supplying food to Michelin Guide restaurants and being nominated for multiple awards.

He was respected in his profession and among the local community.

However, he had struggled with thoughts of taking his own life and was receiving care from mental health teams at the time of his death.

Mr Worgan was found on a sofa and paramedics were unsuccessful in attempts to revive him.

The inquest heard he had been seen by medical professionals three times in the eight days before he died, where he spoke of his suicide ideation and issues in his personal life.

In his final days, he was described as being “agitated” and “distressed” by doctors but it was deemed best to carry on with home treatment.

In a root cause analysis carried out by mental health services, it was said “although they couldn't say whether or not it would have made a difference, they say that it wasn't considered at any point that he should be admitted to hospital”.

Although coroner Sarah Clarke offered to adjourn the hearing to allow Mr Worgan’s family to bring in professionals for questioning, they declined.

Delivering her conclusion, Mrs Clarke said: “Suffice to say, everyone has personal circumstances that are happening in their lives, and there was a lot going on.

“In the [root cause analysis] report, they say ‘We're introducing certain things’, and I for one know, because of other inquests, how much the mental health services have changed recently across the entire network.”

Mrs Clarke said Mr Worgan took a deliberate action to end his own life and that she was not left “with any doubt over his intentions”.

Tributes came flooding in for the businessman earlier this year.

Younger brother Seann told how Mr Worgan had been a huge influence in his life.

“You weren’t just my big brother you know,” he wrote on social media.

“You are my hero, my idol, my inspiration, and I am who I am today because of you.”

Mr Worgan had moved down to Kent from Wigan and in 2012 started his own business, first trading from The Goods Shed in Canterbury.

In 2019, he opened a shop in Frog Lane, Bishopsbourne, before expanding operations to the market town of Faversham three years later.

His generosity during the pandemic won him many plaudits as he decided not to charge customers delivery fees.

Carl leaves behind his partner, Adele, who had been with him since she was 17, and their three children.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123