A FATHER who was made redundant set himself on fire because he did not want to be a burden, an inquest was told.

Baldev Singh’s burned body was discovered in his car in Denton Road, close to Dartford Heath, in May.

His son and daughter-in-law made the discovery as they scoured the area, fearing for his welfare.

Mr Singh’s troubles began just before Christmas last year when he was made redundant.

A trip in February to visit ill friends and family in India brought further depression to the 63-year-old who at Saltcote Road, Crayford.

Investigating officer PC James Heath said: “This had a deep and lasting effect. He didn’t want to be a burden on his family.”

His son Santokh Sanghera said he was anxious about getting a job and became withdrawn and quiet after the trip.

The court heard he would stay in bed for long periods and had been having morbid thoughts.

When the son and daughter-in-law found his car with its windows blackened by smoke, they smashed a window to reach Mr Singh who had died from smoke inhalation.

Coroner Roger Hatch recorded a verdict of suicide.