Suicide notes were found on the computer of a former teacher who faced trial for historic sex offences, four years before he hanged himself, an inquest heard.

Police had discovered the document on David Harding’s device during a search of his Kingsdown home in August 2014.

But the 81-year-old claimed it was a scene from a play he was writing and rejected support from mental health professionals.

Almost four years later - and five days before he was expected to go on trial at Guildford Crown Court in connection with 24 alleged offences against boys - the bachelor was found dead at his Hillcrest Road home. He had always maintained his innocence.

At his inquest at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone on Thursday, assistant coroner Katrina Hepburn said: “In October 2014 he talked to his GP about a document police had found on his computer which looked like a suicide plan.

“He said he had a great interest in theatre and it was a scene for a play.

“His GP said he did not come across as someone who was depressed or suicidal. He was offered support and denied a referral.”

Mr Harding, who lived alone, was discovered by police who had forced entry to the property on April 4. He had last been seen by his neighbour the day before.

He had sent a typed letter, dated the previous day, to his sister, Wendy, informing her of his intentions.

The full contents of the letter were not revealed but Detective Sergeant Holland Day from Kent Police described it as “very detailed.”

She said: “It’s meticulous in its own presentation with instructions of what to do thereafter, to reduce stress on the family and get his affairs in order.

“It was signed 'all the love I can give you and the family, farewell, David'.”

She explained how officers found other letters in the kitchen dining area of his home.

She added: “They were in a very obvious place and his passport was in his back pocket. He’d informed his family that that was exactly where it would be.”

Mr Harding was charged with nine counts of indecent assault against boys under the age of 14 and 15 counts of inciting gross indecency against boys under the age of 14.

The alleged incidents are said to have happened between 1968 and 1981 at a school in Surrey.

DS Holland Day said he also referred to feeling stressed over the impending trial and attributed some blame to the police which the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it will not be investigating.

The hearing was told Mr Harding had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia - a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and tends to progress slowly over many years - in August 2014.

He had always refused treatment and told his GP that he thought it would make him too unwell and that “he wanted to enjoy any time he had left”.

His health deteriorated towards the end of 2017.

Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner Hepburn said: “I consider on the balance of probabilities that Mr Harding did the act that caused his own death and that he intended to take his own life.

“This was an entirely pre-meditated event with instructions for his animals, will and funeral.

“He had increasingly poor heath and did not wish to have chemotherapy treatment. He did not want any prolonged suffering or pain.”

A toxicology report and post mortem showed no signs of drugs or alcohol in his system.

Mr Harding, an organist, was well-known because of his involvement in many groups and societies.

These included the Deal Savoyards, St Margaret’s Players, Goodwin Potholing Club and Kingsdown Conservation Group.

He also organised the choir at Kingsdown and Ringwould Primary and produced Kent Magazine, a magazine distributed to 3,000 blind people in Kent.

Anyone in need of emotional support is urged to call the Samaritans on 116 123. Kent County Council’s Release the Pressure campaign also urges people to call 0800 107 0160 where support is available from trained and experienced mental health staff, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.