A VERDICT of suicide was recorded after a Stretford man was hit by a train travelling at 75mph, an inquest heard.

Paul Monks, 41, of Archer Place, died after lying down on railway tracks at Humphrey Park railway station, Stretford, on November 15, 2008.

At about 11.30pm the train driver, Philip Priestley, said he made out a figure on the Liverpool to Manchester line and applied the emergency brakes.

After he was identified officers went to Mr Monks’ home and found a note that read: “Sorry mum, love always Paul.”

Mr Monks’ mother, Alice, from Sale, said: “I loved him truly, he was loved by his family and had many friends. I’d like to thank all the people who supported me during this time.”

Mr Monks, a hairdresser who once worked for Vidal Sasson in London, used to own a barber shop near Brooklands station, Sale.

While in London Mr Monks got into a relationship that ended badly and he returned to Manchester broken-hearted.

His sister, Shelly-Jo Riley, said: “I don’t think he ever recovered from the break- up.”

Stockport Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday how Mr Monks suffered from manic depression and anxiety and that as a result he turned to recreational drugs and stopped working.

Dr Clive Marchi, who knew Mr Monks for 21 years, confirmed he had a drug habit. He said: “Paul’s life was dominated by struggles with his addiction.”

Coroner John Pollard said: “I’m satisfied he knew what he was doing. He went by himself to the railway line and lay down there with the intention of killing himself.

“He took his own life in this instance.”