A Trowbridge factory worker took his own life in woodland near Bradford on Avon last year after getting into financial difficulties, an inquest has heard.

Polish national Michal Motala, 31, was found hanging from a tree on September 7, five days after he was reported missing from his home at The Halve.

At the inquest on Tuesday assistant coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon Ian Singleton heard a statement from Mr Motala’s brother Lukasz which read: “Aged 19 he entered military service for 11 years, leaving in 2011 to escape the gambling culture that existed, and made the decision to go to England.”

Lukasz added his brother was always smiling and ready to help others. He phoned his parents regularly and gave no indication anything was wrong and “the thought of him committing suicide is totally out of character”.

He owed £230 rent arrears and a police statement said he had a “moderate level of debt with the bank”.

The verdict was suicide.