Joseph Valentine Martin took his life coroner's court told

Joseph Valentine Martin was found dead by police inside his flat at County Court Road, off St James' End in King's Lynn, on March 8 last year. 

An inquest into the former tyre fitter’s death was held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court this week, where evidence of the ‘toxic relationship’ was heard.

Christopher Leach, assistant coroner, read several reports given by medical and mental health professionals. 

He said: “Joe had a lengthy history of self-harm, and that history was linked to alcohol and drug abuse and the strained and toxic nature of his relationship with his partner.

“Joe had a number of engagements with mental health services, including mental health assessments, which identified the risk of self-harm and suicide but also identified a number of protective factors including Joe’s family.”

One such report was that of a Safety Incident Review put together by Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust.

The review gives a brief summary of the chronology of his engagement with mental health services.

One entry dated July 3, 2022, said: "There has been an increase in stress with Joe's partner.

"Their relationship was reported to be up and down with verbal abuse from the partner.

"He had been experiencing a form of emotional or verbal abuse for several years.

"[A month later] there is an allegation of coercive controlling behaviour."

Evidence also revealed that he was seeking support, including from the substance misuse charity Change Grow Live (CGL).

The report from CGL said: "Mr Martin was referred to CGL by a family safeguarding social worker, and he was offered a comprehensive assessment.

"He was placed on a non-dependant treatment pathway, which consisted of attending some groups and one-to-one sessions to address the psychological nature of addiction and  coping strategies."

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

His mother, Michelle Martin, and sister, Leah Martin, attended the court in Norwich where their statements were read out. 

Ms Martin said: "Their relationship was fine to start with but as it went on it became bad. 

"I’m glad Joe got away and tried to get help and sort his life out. But [his former partner] was always there in his mind. 

“Joe was not perfect, but he was trying for the children and for [his former partner]. 

“He would always want her, even if she abused him.” 

Miss Martin, who agreed to care for Mr Martin’s children after social services became involved, also raised concerns.  

She added: "Joe was a hard-working lad. He loved to provide for his family and take them for days out and holidays. 

“He would work long hours, he was doing this for his family, and when he came home the arguments would start.” 

Following a post-mortem, the medical cause of death was given as ‘hanging’.  

Mr Leach recorded a narrative conclusion, stating that Mr Martin died “having applied a ligature to his own neck, his intentions when doing so being unknown." 

Paying tribute to her son, Ms Martin added: "Joe was a very happy boy. 

“He would help anyone, always smiling, laughing, and happy. And he loved to work.”