THE mother of a Wirral security guard found dead at home has paid tribute to a 'true gentleman with a great sense of humour' following an inquest into his death today.

Michael Sheldon was found by girlfriend Jenny Hardie at the home they shared in Waterloo Road, New Brighton on the night of August 29 this year.

An inquest at Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool this afternoon heard the father-of-two had died from compression of the neck caused by hanging.

Coroner's officer Jane Weir said the 33-year-old had been socialising that evening and returned home. His body was found in the hallway by Miss Hardy.

There was no note to indicate any intention of taking his own life.

In a message posted on Facebook at around 9.40pm, Mr Sheldon, who had a history of depression, wrote: "I love you all."

Coroner Andre Rebello said there was no evidence to suggest this had been written with the intention of taking his life.

A police investigation concluded there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

More than 150 people attended Mr Sheldon's woodland funeral, with standing room only.

After the inquest, his mother Brenda Sharp told the Globe: "He was a very outgoing person, who put a smile on everybody's face.

"He was a true gentleman, whose jokes were so bad they made people laugh.

"So many people turned up for his funeral. The phrase 'true gentleman' was repeated so many times on Facebook, but there is no other to describe him.

"He had suffered from depression. I would like to encourage everybody who thinks they may be suffering from depression to talk about it. It's the only way they can get help.

Coroner Andre Rebello recorded a narrative verdict, which read: "It was more likely than not that when he put on the flex his intention was not clear, but what happened was inevitable."

Addressing the family, Mr Rebello said: "We don't know what was going through Michael's mind that day. Without knowing that, we mustn't judge him."