A TEACHER took his own life because the balance of his mind was disturbed, an inquest has heard.

Dr Nigel Collins, of St John's Avenue, Kidderminster, died from deep lacerations to his neck, Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said on Wednesday.

Mr Collins, aged 60, a science teacher at the town's King Charles I High School, lived alone most of the time and had suffered from depression and paranoia. His wife Elizabeth and son had been staying with him because of his illness to help look after him.

On Saturday, May 19, his wife went shopping and left him with their son. But during the morning they had two visitors to the house, which caused Mr Collins to become agitated and lock himself in the bathroom.

"A while later, his wife came back and both she and her son went up because Mr Collins was still in the bathroom. They broke in and found him face down in the bathroom fully clothed," said Mr Round.

He had a deep cut to his left wrist and a severe cut around his neck. He had a small kitchen knife in his hand and had left a note.

Pathologist Dr George Kondratowicz gave the cause of death as a deep cut to the neck.

"I'm satisfied that he took his own life when the balance of his own mind was disturbed," said Mr Round.