A RETIRED Hampshire man killed himself while on unsupervised leave from a mental health unit, an inquest has been told.

William Taylor was being treated for psychological problems at the Rivendale unit in Sarisbury Green when he went out and bought a 6in kitchen knife and used it to harm himself.

Southampton Coroner's Court was told that the 66-year-old had a history of depression and alcohol abuse.

PC Simon Chapman told the court that when he first approached Mr Taylor he was still conscious despite his serious injuries and was angry that someone had found him.

After being taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance, Mr Taylor, from Gosport, was treated in surgery for his injuries.

At first he showed signs of recovery, but a few days later had trouble breathing due to a chest infection that had worsened the stab wound to his right lung.

His condition deteriorated and he died on March 24.

Deputy coroner Gordon Denson said Mr Taylor died from a chest infection as a result of a self-inflicted stab wound and recorded a verdict that Mr Taylor took his own life.