Darlington-area man who was facing police action found hanged in stable (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Darlington-area man who was facing police action found hanged in stable

4:48pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Alexa Copeland, Reporter (Darlington)

A MAN who was facing police action through the Proceeds of Crime Act was found hanged in a stable, an inquest heard.

The hearing at Chester-le-Street was told today (Tuesday, March 12) that 42-year-old Paul Cruttenden of Coatham Mundeville, near Darlington, County Durham, was found hanging from a beam in a stable block on his Clearwater Creek property on November 20 last year.

Coroner Crispin Oliver said that a note left by Mr Cruttenden referred to his depression and also mentioned court action.

“I believe that this was referring to a proceeds of crime matter,” said Mr Oliver, adding: “It is evident that he had a number of matters that were making him unhappy. He has written a note and there seems to be an element of planning involved.”

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Sean Jackson, of Darlington CID, agreed, adding that he suspected matters dating back some years ago were also a factor.

Mr Oliver concluded that Mr Cruttenden took his own life, saying; “The evidence is quite clear about that.”

In 2009, Mr Cruttenden was sentenced to two years in prison after claiming tens of thousands of pounds from fraudulently obtained credit cards and benefits, and attempted money laundering.