A caring Co-op worker who enjoyed simple pleasures took his own life after struggling to deal with the Covid pandemic restrictions, his wife has told a coroner's court.

Simon Gibbs, 49, went missing in September last year and his body was found a day later on September 3, 2020 by dog walkers on the shore at Nacton, under the Orwell Bridge.

His wife Gillian Gibbs described Simon as 'a kind and caring man' and said in a statement to Suffolk Coroners' Court, on Wednesday, May 19, how Mr Gibbs 'enjoyed the simple pleasures of life - long walks, being outdoors and cycling'.

She added: "We each felt we had found our soulmate in life and would often be found hand in hand on a picnic at the seaside, enjoyed long walks through our marriage and our walking boots were the most worn shoes we owned.

"He had a passion for live music, American car shows and we would spend most evenings on the sofa enjoying a film or TV show together.

"I believe if it were not for the Covid pandemic, Simon would be with us today. He was my best friend, my soulmate and will always live in my heart."

Coroner Nigel Parsley heard how Mr Gibbs, who worked at the East of England Co-op's Wherstead Park centre, had been diagnosed with mental health issues in 1988, and his anxiety was heightened during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mrs Gibbs told the court Simon had been scared to go to work, struggled with restriction rules and wanted to stay at home.

Mr Parsley judged Mr Gibbs died as a result of injuries sustained in a fall from the Orwell Bridge.

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