The frantic girlfriend of a man who took his own life misled police over when he'd gone missing because she feared they wouldn’t investigate.

Piotr Binkowski was found dead in public gardens close to the Clarendon Royal Hotel, Gravesend, on June 22.

The 41-year-old builder had battled depression and a drink problem after his son and former partner moved to another country.

During an inquest into the Pole’s death at Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone, it was revealed Natalia Piwowarska told police her partner had gone missing one day earlier.

The father-of-one had stopped taking anti-depressants and was found to be almost three times over the drink drive limit when he was discovered hanged.

Coroner Geoffrey Smith told the court she had lied because she did not believe police would take her missing person report seriously.

The inquest also heard Mr Binkowski had threatened to kill himself previously but people close to him believed it was just a cry for help.

He’d left his home in Burch Road, Gravesend, at around 9am and was discovered three-and-a-half hours later in St Andrew’s Gardens.

Detectives were unable to piece together his final movements.

The town centre was sealed off by police when his body was discovered.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Mr Smith said: “Given the circumstances of the situation, it is clear from the evidence Mr Binkowski had been depressed.

“He had a problem with alcohol which may well have exacerbated that depression.

“Having ascertained there was no third party involvement Piotr Binkowski did in fact intend to kill himself.

“I am disappointed none of his family or associates were present today.”

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