A HEADTEACHER took his own life after suffering from severe depression for more than 20 years, an inquest heard.

Mr Michael Henryck Buczynski (50), of Trimingham Drive, Bury, was found lying on the stairs at home after hanging himself in January this year.

He was the head of Parklands High School in Wythenshawe, and had a history of depression and suicidal thoughts.

He was treated for his illness in May last year, and returned to work in August. But on October 8, Mr Buczynski was removed from his school by the police and taken to Wythenshawe Hospital after he started to stop people in their vehicles so they could 'experience what he was experiencing'. His wife Mrs Anne Buczynski said her husband described it as a 'religious experience'.

Mr Buczynski was then diagnosed as a bi-polar manic depressive, and it was arranged for him to work from home.

Mrs Buczynski told the inquest in Bury on Tuesday: "He hated being ill and thought there was no end in sight. The medication did not appear to be working and he was at a loss as to how to occupy himself."

After she found him preparing to hang himself on December 17, he was admitted to Fairfield General Hospital on an informal basis, but was allowed home for two nights on December 21 for his son's birthday.

On December 23 he was reviewed back at the hospital and plans were made for Mr Buczynski to spend Christmas at home with his family, but to return if there were any concerns.

David Bostock, a psychiatric nurse who saw Mr Buczynski at this time, said: "He felt guilty about the events and that suicidal thoughts were not an option and described life as worth living."

But on January 4, Mr Buczynski was found lying on the stairs with a rope around his neck. An examination showed he had died from asphyxiation.

In conclusion, coroner Simon Nelson, said: "I accept that this was an act of self- harm. I believe that he intended the consequences of his actions. I do not believe he would have self-harmed if he had not been suffering from the depressive illness."