Jamie Bull (pictured above) had been struggling with his mental health since Christmas, after it was alleged his ex-wife has stopped him seeing his children

A father-of-three hanged himself after his ex-wife barred him from seeing their children at Christmas, an inquest has heard.

Jamie Bull, 36, was found dead at his flat in Cumbria on March 5 by his father Jim and his stepmother Nicola.

Mr Bull's girlfriend Stephanie Clayton told an inquest into his death, which took place in Barrow-in-Furness on Friday, that her boyfriend's struggle with mental health issues 'spiralled' at Christmas when his ex-wife stopped him from seeing his children.

She claimed it was the 'number one reason' he had been feeling the way he was.

Miss Clayton told the court her partner's ex Joanne Thornton used his mental health issues 'against him' to prevent him seeing them.

'Child access only became an issue once his ex-wife found out about our relationship,' she said.

Mr Bull (pictured above) was said to have 'been good at' hiding his problems from his family

'He only had very limited access. It hurt him a lot. He was devastated.

'He left her because he was unhappy. He stayed for the children but when he did leave it was used against him time and time again.

'His ex wasn't willing to communicate or reach any kind of compromise.'

The inquest also heard from Mr Bull's brother Chris who said his ex-wife had 'fought against him having access to his children'.

Mr Bull had struggled with mental health issues but was 'good at hiding it', his brother added.

'It's miraculous that someone who is in that much personal and mental turmoil themselves can selflessly help others in the way he did', he added.

Mr Bull's family was highly critical of an incident in October 2018 when he was detained by police under the Mental Health Act.

His stepmother Nicola said: 'We sat with him in the A&E waiting area with two police officers, from 8am until 6pm.'

Mr Bull's family was highly critical of an incident in October 2018 when he was detained by police under the Mental Health Act, it was claimed he had to wait in A&E (stock image above) as there were no mental heath beds available

The inquest heard there had been no mental health beds available and so Mr Bull had to wait in A&E until a doctor arrived.

On Tuesday March 5 Mr Bull, described by his brother as a 'great guy who loved helping others', had an argument with Miss Clayton.

His family became concerned for him and went round to his flat, in Biggar Garth.

He was found by his father Jim and despite his attempts to resuscitate him he was pronounced dead by paramedics.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which was responsible for acute mental health services when Mr Bull was detained in October 2018, carried out an investigation after his death which highlighted a number of lessons to be learned.

A spokeswoman said: 'We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Bull at this difficult time.

'The trust is not able to comment on this case at this time.'

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article then you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, alternatively you can visit the website at by clicking here.