Headmaster hanged himself after racking up online gambling debts

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John Reilly's £250,000 home had already been repossessed when he hanged himself from a tree in a park.

The 39-year-old had ignored pleas from friends and family to get professional help, an inquest in Manchester was told.

He had lost the home he shared with his partner and their two sons in Stockport and moved to another.

As his gambling got worse, she asked him to leave and he moved in with a young woman teacher at his school, Sandilands Community Primary in Wythenshawe, Manchester.

Coroner Nigel Meadows said: "This is an illustration of how gambling in our society is as dangerous as drugs and can lead to traumatic relationship and family breakdown.

"This was a tragic waste of life. He was a respected and successful headmaster who could run his school, but couldn't run his life."

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Meadows added:

"There are lots of things which could have been done to help John. If anyone has a loved one in a similar position, I would encourage them to seek help."