A man took his own life by laying down in front of an oncoming train “had been in a bad place” in the weeks before his death, an inquest has heard.

North London Coroner’s Court ruled yesterday (June 28) Daragh Byrne, of Forest Road, Walthamstow, died after walking onto the tracks at New Barnet station, on January 23 this year.

Coroner Andrew Walker recorded the 45-year-old’s death as suicide after he ignored pleas to step back onto the platform from station staff who saw him stood behind a fenced-off area of the line.

Mr Byrne, an Irish-born construction worker, sustained multiple injuries after being struck and coroners were not able to carry out a full internal examination as a result.

His sister, who did not wish to be named, said during the inquest that he had “been in a bad place” in the lead up to his death.

She said: “He had been suffering from depression and had just started a new job.

“I got a text from him the evening he died and he said his head was hurting.

“He did not actively seek help but his death was still unexpected.”

Jerry Griffith, a detective sergeant at British Transport Police, added that Mr Byrne’s death was “non-suspicious” and did not involve anyone else.

Mr Walker concluded: “I cannot see any other reason for his actions other than that he voluntarily intended to end his own life.”