Irvine Nunn, 77, was found dead at his home in Hillside, Stowmarket, after neighbours reported seeing a body in his back garden on March 5.

At an inquest into his death, held in Bury St Edmunds on Friday, coroner Dr Peter Dean recorded a verdict that Mr Nunn, who was known as Don to his friends and family, deliberately took his own life.

After finding Mr Nunn with head injuries and an improvised firearm at his side, police initially cordoned off the scene while conducting house-to-house inquiries, before being satisfied that there were no suspicious circumstances.

A suicide note was found in the kitchen, while Michael Rampling – a friend of 40 years, who found Mr Nunn's body along with former paramedic Brian Gregory – said the pensioner had been battling depression, with fears that he may have been suffering from cancer.

The retired maintenance engineer, who had worked at Muntons plc, in Stowmarket, had already given away many of his personal effects, the inquest heard.

A post-mortem examination, carried out by consultant pathologist Dr Sheila Purdie, confirmed that Mr Nunn had died from a gunshot injury to the head.

Speaking at the time of his death, Mr Nunn's nephew, Guy Fairweather, described him as 'a caring man' who enjoyed shooting and fishing and said he believed his uncle had been worried about becoming a burden because of health problems.

Neighbours and former work colleagues described him as 'jovial', 'energetic' and 'an inspiration to old age'.

"It appears that he did understand and intend the consequences of his actions," said Dr Dean.

"Our thoughts are with his family and those close to him."

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