A MAN who was struck by a train in Shotton had intended to end his life, an inquest concluded.

Robert Arthur Hartshone of Wilmslow Drive in Ellesmere Port died on July 9 last year. He was 61.

Resuming an inquest into his death John Gittins, coroner for North Wales east and central, said Mr Hartshone had been struck by a passenger train at Shotton Railway Station.

In a statement read by the coroner, train driver Colin Taylor described the moments leading up to the incident.

The driver, who has more than 20 years of experience, said he had been approaching Shotton station on his way to Chester.

The 560-ton train was travelling at just below the line speed of 75 miles per hour, the inquest heard.

After Mr Taylor checked the way was clear, the train entered the confines of the station. It was then that Mr Hartshone became visible.

"He was no more than a few metres from me - it took seconds," he said.

"I had no chance to brake prior to the collision or sound the horn."

The emergency brakes were then applied and a railway fatality was declared.

Mr Taylor said the incident was the first fatality of his driving career and it had affected him badly.

The coroner also read a statement from Mr Hartshone's cousin Susan Fountaine, who said he had been suffering from stress and anxiety over a decision about whether he should sell his home and move in with his partner Anne Narine.

Mr Hartshone's car was located parked outside the home of a relative not far from the station and a note of intent was also discovered.

A post mortem examination found Mr Hartshone had sustained significant injuries, but the primary cause of death was confirmed to be a head injury.

Mr Gittins said: "I am in no doubt whatsoever that this was a deliberate act by this gentleman with the intention of bringing his life to an end."

Bringing the hearing at Ruthin to a close on Tuesday, the coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide.