Dad found dead after family loses dream home over fence row
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A Royal Navy aircraft engineer who served in Afghanistan was found dead in the family garage after missing out on a family home, an inquest has revealed.
Robert Minshull was on prescribed anti-depressants and suffered from a low mood for a number of years, a hearing into his death heard.
The father-of-two died at the age of 42.
Rob's wife Kerry said that the failure to secure the purchase of a home in Helston in 2021 sent the dad down a depression spiral.
The home developer pulled out of the deal at the last minute over a dispute about the height of a fence.
The 4ft fence - 2ft shorter than the family expected - was of concern because of the idea of people in a nearby supermarket would be able to see their kids in the garden.
The developer dropped the deal and was said to have re-listed the property for £449,950 - £75,000 more than the family were due to pay.
Kerry says the family were £10,000 out of pocket as a result of fees.
At the time, she said: "It's just broken my family completely - we've been waiting a year for this.
"I'm gutted, I'd never wish this to happen to anybody.
"There isn't any more houses down here - people are snapping them up.
"We're looking at least £75,000 more to get a house like we wanted but we can't afford that.
"I sent an email to say something like, 'I'm sorry to trouble you we've been to look at the property were really not happy about the fence'.
"Then the site manager responded saying what are you unhappy about - is it the height?"
Kerry said that the whole incident 'had a huge effect on Rob'.
"He started drinking more and he could not get past the way we lost the house," she explained.
"I kept telling him not to be so negative and not to worry about things like money. I even told him I was carrying everyone."
Assistant coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Emma Hillson, said: "Rob's death came as a shock to his colleagues who didn't notice any change in his behaviour in the months leading to his death. The failed house purchase in 2021 and the rising cost of living added to his stresses.
"Appropriate support was provided to Rob. He knew how to access help and did so on previous occasions.
"On balance of probability Rob took his own life and intended to do so."
Kerry said her late husband was a 'brilliant father and husband and had a kind heart'.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123
