A young father from Bolton described as a “lovely lad” tragically took his own life. 

Jack Pearson, aged 26, was found dead at Deane Golf Club on January 24 this year. 

Mr Pearson worked as a labourer and lived at an address on Deane Road.

An inquest into his death was held at Bolton Coroners' Court. 

It heard how growing up he attended St Joseph's RC High School in Horwich and Thornleigh Salesian College in Astley Bridge. 

However, he developed mental health issues and issues with alcohol and illicit drugs.

On the evening of January 23 this year, he had been out drinking with a friend, Craig Barlow at the Three Pigeons pub on Wigan Road.

Mr Barlow’s evidence was read out at the hearing.

He said how he and Mr Pearson had met for drinks to celebrate the latter’s birthday, having "several pints and shots". 

As it was getting late, Mr Barlow said it was time to leave.

At this point he saw a “switch” in his friend’s temperament, becoming "aggressive" and saying he wanted to stay.

Mr Pearson then beat Mr Barlow, hitting him "a number of times" and kicking him. He also damaged Mr Barlow's car and "snatched" his mobile phone, throwing it into a bush. 

He said that it was a "surprise" and "came out of nowhere". 

Other patrons of the pub came outside due to the commotion and the police were called.

Mr Pearson fled the scene. 

While being interviewed by police, Mr Barlow received a call from Mr Pearson, who apologised for hitting him and said "something along the lines of he 'would jump in the res'." 

Mr Pearson's partner, Amy Burfield, gave evidence at the inquest. She told how they had been together since 2023, and moved in together, and that it had been a "really good relationship". 

Ms Burfield added: "Drinking was a problem for him, but he wanted to stop." 

She agreed that there were times he did not act in the relationship's "best interests".

On January 23, Mr Pearson told her that he was out "just for one" in the pub.

Later that evening, her mother told her that she had received a worrying text from him. 

Ms Burfield was then told about the assault on Mr Barlow. She tried to phone Mr Pearson but there was "no answer". 

The next day, officers came to her house to tell her Mr Pearson had died.

She said that she was “struggling to come to terms” with his passing and that she “missed Jack terribly”.

Julie Barlow, Ms Burfield's mother, also gave evidence. She told how she referred to him as her "son-in-law" even though the pair were not married. 

The same night, she had a call from Mr Pearson at just after 10.30pm, telling her he "battered him (Mr Barlow)". 

She told him he needed to apologise to Mr Barlow and said he should go home and sleep. 

A few minutes later he sent her a message saying he was "going to kill himself".

Another message stated "it's ruined, it's ruined, I can't see my baby and I have lost Amy". 

Ms Barlow said: “Social services were working with him, he was doing really well and then this.”

Ms Barlow added: “He was temperamental but he was such a lovely lad.”

The next morning, Deane Golf Club groundsman Alan Isherwood arrived at work.

Walking over the course to assess whether it was in a good state to be worked on, he "saw a man underneath a tree", assuming it to be a dog walker.  

Emergency services were called and Mr Pearson was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics just after 8am.

Concluding, Coroner Michael Pemberton said: "I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Jack Pearson had a history of some poor mental health and wellbeing. 

"He used both illicit substances and alcohol as a coping mechanism. He had ups and downs in terms of compliance with his efforts to remain abstinent or reduce alcohol or illicit drug consumption. 

"He had the opportunity to seek professional support and advice, he engaged when required but would not engage fully. 

"Despite the best of intentions he would resort to the use of substances or alcohol.”

He concluded Mr Pearson’s death as a suicide.