A “dedicated and selfless” university tutor from Bristol killed himself because he was struggling with his increased workload.

Malcolm Anderson was deputy head of section and a personal tutor in accounting at Cardiff University’s business school.

The father-of-three was found dead minutes after arriving at work at the university’s Aberconway Building in Colum Drive in Cardiff on February 19.

An inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard Mr Anderson had been struggling with his new job role.

The 48-year-old, who lived in Bristol and commuted everyday, was asked to mark 418 exam papers in just 20 days, the court heard. Even when he approached management for help, he received the same response “year after year”, a colleague said.

‘The most selfless person’

(Image: PA)

Mr Anderson joined the university after graduating in 1991 and progressed through the department.

His colleague Louis Vallis worked with him on timetabling but he said Mr Anderson was struggling with the allocated time for creating the timetables he was given by the university and would often do it in his own time.

In a statement read to the inquest, Mr Vallis said Mr Anderson’s approach to work was “rigorous” and that he “put 100 per cent into everything that he did”.

He said: “Malcolm complained to management a number of times about the allocation.”

But he said he “received the same response year after year”.

He said Mr Anderson was asked to mark 418 exam papers in a 20-day period but that he did not complain about the volume of work.

“He did put a lot of pressure on himself,” Mr Vallis said. “He never approached a line manager for support.

“When I was told of Malcolm’s death I couldn’t take it in. He was the most selfless person that I know.”

Working during family events

(Image: Cardiff University)

Mr Anderson’s wife Diane said he would often take exam papers he had to mark to family events, WalesOnline reported.

She said: “He spent many hours with his personal tutees who would email him day and night. He had a huge pile of exam papers to mark and was often unable to spend time with his family.

“His commute was a 120-mile round trip and he would often start early at 6am or 7am and work late.

“He had a dedication to learning and always put people’s needs above his own.

“He won awards for his teaching and won an award every year. He was an extremely sociable man and would always find time to chat to people. He was passionate about everything that he did.”

She added: “He was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with our family. He was always fit and healthy but began to show signs of stress.

“He would always give the very best to everything that he did but was silently struggling.”

Last notes about workload

Samaritans - Talk To Us

Mr Anderson arrived at work at 6.36am on the morning of his death. Police said they believe he went to his office and left two notes – one for his family and one saying his workload had finally got to him.

Detective Sergeant Lauren Wells said there were emails on Mr Anderson’s work computer which “refer to work expectations not being manageable and the number of students going through the roof but there’s been cuts”.

Mr Anderson fell through a glass roof and was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where he later died from his injuries.

Coroner Andrew Barkley recorded a conclusion of suicide during Wednesday’s inquest.

He said: “There is no suggestion that this is accidental death. I’m satisfied at that time he intended to take his own life.

“There was huge pressure in terms of work and other things.”

Malcolm leaves behind his wife Diane, and three daughters Hannah, Rachel and Bethan.

Most people who are thinking of taking their own life have shown warning signs beforehand.

These can include becoming depressed, showing sudden changes in behaviour, talking about wanting to die and feelings of hopelessness.

These feelings do improve and can be treated.

If you are concerned about someone, or need help yourself, please contact the Samaritans on 116 123.