A WELL-KNOWN Isle of Wight musician took his own life after battling depression and insomnia, an inquest heard.

Marc Maitland was found dead at his home, at Trinity Street, Ryde, in February, the Isle of Wight Coroner's Court heard on Tuesday.

His family had become increasingly worried after he stopped attending his gardening job and failed to respond to messages.

The inquest heard Mr Maitland had suffered with depression, anxiety and insomnia following the breakdown of his relationship.

Coroner Caroline Sumeray said he had sought help, and had been prescribed medication by his GP, but his family said he should have received more support.

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Maitland’s sister, Daisy Tucker, said he was 'failed' by the Island's mental health services.

She said: “He was very open and clear with what he was feeling. He went to them for help and they fobbed him off.

“Six times he went to speak with the mental health team in the run-up to his death, and six times they said there were no warning signs.”

In the days leading up to his death, the inquest heard Mr Maitland had repeatedly emailed his former partner saying he intended to take his own life.

However, there was no evidence she had seen the emails.

A toxicology report found Mr Maitland was two times the drink drive limit at the time of his death.

Mrs Sumeray said: "That doesn’t mean he did not take his own life. It's clear only he did this."

She recorded an open conclusion. The cause of death was hanging.

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Maitland’s step-father, David Bishop, said: “We have asked ourselves why we didn’t see Marc was in such a place — and why mental health services didn’t see what kind of place he was in.”

Mr Maitland played in several bands throughout his life. His album Social Upheaval, written with his punk rock band City Miles, was released posthumously.

Following his death, former bandmates from acts including Blocko, AM Gems, and XDirectory held a memorial event in his honour, and around 400 friends and music lovers attended to pay their respects.

The following organisations offer free and confidential support over the phone:

Samaritans -116 123 24 hour support, every day of the year www.samaritans.org

Papyrus 0800 068 41 41 Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 10pm or Text 0778 620 9697 – prevention of young suicide www.papyrus-uk.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58, 5pm – midnight. Dedicated to preventing male suicide www.thecalmzone.net

Mind - 0300 123 3393, 9am - 6pm, Mon - Fri (except Bank Holidays). Advises on a range of mental health issues www.mind.org.uk

Young Minds - 0808 802 5544, 9.30am - 4pm, Mon - Fri. Supports any adult worried about a child’s welfare www.youngminds.org.uk

The Mix - 0808 808 4994, 2pm - 11pm, Mon - Sun. Helpline for people under the age of 25 www.themix.org.uk