A self-employed man who thought he was going to jail because of tax evasion took his own life, an inquest heard.

Robert Griffin was struck by a train on the line near Waingels Copse in Woodley.

Mr Griffin was convinced that he was going to jail for tax evasion, despite assurances from family members that his accounts were solid.

Berkshire coroner Peter Bedford heard how police investigating the 54-year-old's death found nothing wrong with his accounting and he had not committed any tax crime.

Speaking at the inquest at Reading Town Hall on Tuesday Mr Griffin's mother Ruth said: "He was just so loved and he didn't realise how loved he was."

His partner of more than 11 years, Janet Carpenter, told the court he had become agitated about his taxes.

In a statement, Miss Carpenter said: "We went to his house, he seemed fine but he had been working and researching tax evasion sites.

"He said he had been having suicidal thoughts, and we both cried.

"He just cried and asked if he could stay with me for the night.

"I found him curled up in the bathroom at 1am in the foetal position."

Miss Carpenter told the court Mr Griffin, of Jerome Close in Woodley, had gone through his tax books with her, and he had three accountants in the last three years.

She said she helped him create a spread sheet to see if there was a problem, but she couldn't find anything wrong.

Mr Bedford asked Detective Constable Matt Harvey of British Transport Police if police had found anything wrong with Mr Griffin's accounts, to which Mr Harvey replied: "No."

On Sunday, May 17, Mr Griffin took Miss Carpenter to his home which he shared with his parents, for a family meal but she left around 6pm because Mr Griffin said he was tired.

He gave his nephew Jordan Alder a lift home and told him "I'm really proud of you and I love you" before driving to the railway tracks between Woodley and Twyford.

Mr Griffin had pictures of family with him when he stepped onto the tracks.

After the collision, an air ambulance was called but he died at the scene.

Recording a verdict of suicide Mr Bedford said: "Clearly there came a point in his mind when he had a plan of action.

"He had a belief, not supported by others, but a very strong belief there was something wrong with his business affairs.

"He took his own life while concerned about his business affairs."