The alarming impact alcohol can have on people’s lives has been highlighted by the Island's coroner.

Michael Moyle was speaking as he recorded a verdict of suicide on 41 year-old Mark Taylor of Castletown, who was found hanged in his garden at the end of June.

A post mortem showed the plasterer and tiler died from asphyxia caused by hanging, but he also had a high alcohol level.

The body of Mr Taylor was discovered by his partner who told the inquest that while he occasionally suffered bouts of depression, she believed he was happy.

He was soon to become a grandparent and was talking of setting up his own business.

After a row, Mr Taylor said he would go to sleep in the shed and his body was discovered the next morning.

Mr Moyle offered condolences to his partner and said no blame should be attached to her.

He believed the high alcohol level could have clouded Mr Taylor’s judgement and, at some stage, he made a drunken decision to take his own life.

Mr Moyle added it was impossible to know what went through his mind but he believed the decision would not have been made but for the influence of drink.

He said it played too great a part in people’s lives in the Isle of Man and caused people to do things they regretted.

(Picture: Douglas Courthouse, where the inquest was held).