Robert Snape had researched physiotherapy options on his phone prior to taking his life

A high-flying British banker hanged himself in Mexico after suffering chronic back pain for which he refused to take medication in case it affected his work, an inquest heard today.

Robert Snape, a vice president at Citibank, had a condition which left him in agony - but he did not take any painkillers because he wanted to keep a clear head for his job.

He was found by a work colleague at the posh Marriott Hotel Colonia Santa Fe in Mexico City's financial district, where they had been staying on March 8.

The fraud risk manager, from Mickleover, Derby, had been living in Budapest since 2012 while working for one of the world's biggest financial institutions.

An inquest heard his back pain would have been made worse by the cramped conditions of the 14-and-a-half-hour long haul flight from Hungary to Mexico City.

Mr Snape, 36, had researched physiotherapy options on his phone prior to taking his life and the pain had become so bad that it had started affecting his mobility.

Mr Snape was found by a work colleague at the posh Marriott Hotel Colonia Santa Fe (pictured) in Mexico City's financial district, where they had been staying on March 8

He had suffered chronic back problems since the age of 16 but not take any medication in case it clouded his judgement at work.

The inquest at Derby and South Derbyshire Coroners Court heard today that Mr Snape had no history of depression or mental illness,

He was not under the influence of alcohol or either prescription or illegal drugs at the time of his death.

Derbyshire's Senior Coroner, Dr Robert Hunter read evidence from forensic pathologist Dr Andrew Hitchcock, who carried out a post-mortem examination at Royal Derby Hospital, as well as a report written by Mexican police.

Dr Hunter said: 'Robert Snape was born on December 2, 1981 in Rutherglen, Scotland. He was single and was vice-president of a bank.

'According to the post-mortem by Dr Andrew Hitchcock, there was congestion to the lungs. The lung air space was filled with fluid - which can be an indication of asphyxia.

'In the Mexican authorities police report, the cause of death is stated as asphyxia by hanging. There was a lack of oxygen to the brain.

'The blood samples were all negative for any alcohol at the time of death, and there was no evidence of prescribed medication or misuse of drugs. The toxicology was negative.

'There was no evidence of any disturbance in the room. According to analysis of the door key, the only person entering that room was Robert himself and cleaning staff.

'CCTV footage shows no one apart from Robert and the cleaning staff entering. No other parties were seen entering or leaving Robert's room.

Mr Snape was a vice president for Citibank (whose offices in Mexico City are pictured)

'Robert had never suffered from depression or mental illness, but he did suffer from chronic back pain since the age of 16.

'Latterly it was affecting his gait, walking and sitting. He did not take any medication for his pain because it might cloud his thinking and judgement.

'His mobile phone was analysed and he had been researching websites in relation to back pain. Robert did not access any self harm or suicide websites.

'I am satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Robert's death. Robert died as a result of his own actions with no third party involvement.

'On the balance of probabilities, it is more likely than not that Robert had undertaken to take his own life.

'I feel his back pain was a significant factor in Robert's mental state at the time. He had only just arrived in Mexico following a long haul flight.

'The cramped conditions would have exacerbated his pain. Therefore I am satisfied Robert had undertaken to take his own life.

'The balance of his mind was temporarily disturbed. The severe pain had clouded his judgement and that was a material factor in his decision to take the decision he did.'

Turning to the family, Dr Hunter said: 'I would like to offer my condolences to Mr Snape for the death of Robert.'

According to Mr Snape's LinkedIn profile he had been working as a fraud risk manager at the bank since October 2016.

It said he conducted reviews across the firm as well as making sure all policies are complied with.

Prior to moving to Hungary the financier, who graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2004, had worked for the bank in Barcelona.