A "happy, generous and funny" grandfather who went missing for more than two weeks, took his own life because of financial concerns from the coronavirus pandemic.

Paul Perkins, of Norman Road, Tunbridge Wells, was found dead at an electrical substation in Sandrock Road, just four minutes from his home, at around 9.45pm on June 13.

An inquest into the taxi driver's death at Maidstone's County Hall this morning heard he was reported missing from his home on May 28 after "disappearing" from the house and leaving the door wide open.

He was last seen by his partner Gill Simpson who rang the emergency services and explained he had been feeling "very low recently".

The 58-year-old was discovered at the nearby substation 16 days later after resident Timothy Evans rang police and the ambulance service at around 9.30pm after he thought he could see a body.

Assistant coroner Alan Blunsdon gave his cause of death as suspension.

The court heard how Mr Perkins had gone missing on May 7 in Ashdown Forest for four days where he intended to take his own life.

It was revealed the cabby had not eaten any food and had drank bleach for four days during that time, as well as the fact he parked his car close to the woods so he could be found if his attempt was successful.

A statement from his GP Dr Kirk Smith detailed conversations between the pair, where it was highlighted Mr Perkins told his doctor he was "worried" about his finances and being in self-isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The court also heard how Mr Perkins, who has three children and four grandchildren, feared he would lose his job as a mini-cab driver due to the impact coronavirus has had on people taking taxis.

Mr Blunsdon explained how the taxi driver had been hospitalised in 2005 for 12 weeks after taking an overdose due to ongoing personal problems, but he showed no signs of similar behaviour up until this year.

In his conclusion the assistant coroner said Mr Perkins had a "very supportive" family and prior to taking his own life financial worries and concerns were playing on his mind.

'Paul is such an incredible man who had such a great impact on everyone he met...'

He ruled Mr Perkins had died as a result of suicide.

Earlier this year his daughter his family paid tribute to him, describing him as "a hero".

They said: ""We are utterly heart broken to be writing this, Paul is such an incredible man who had such a great impact on everyone he met, they speak about how much of a happy, generous and funny person he is.

"He arranged so many gatherings to bring people together and allow them to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

"Our family want to thank everyone for their kind words of support and donations. Paul is our hero who has held our family together through thick and thin, providing us with all the laughs that got us through tough times.

"We hope you get to rest now with your soulmate, and we will continue to be the close family we have always been for you.

"Our hearts are broken to see you go but also so full of the love you have for our family. We take comfort that you are with the love of your life in heaven which is rid of any darkness in this world.

"The memories you have created with your grandchildren, children, family and friends will live on forever in the form of our memory, photos, videos and our values we have for life. So you can now rest with Debbie who you have been longing to be with.

"We love you, with all our hearts and want to thank you for everything you have taught us and the bursting love you have given us."

If you need help on an emotional issue you can call the Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.

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