A much-loved Ipswich bar manager who could make anyone he spoke to feel loved took his own life, a coroner has concluded.  

Sean Watkins was a popular and friendly father of three and a bar manager at Bar Twenty One in St Nicholas Street.

He died last year, on September 16, at the age of 37.

At an inquest into his death, the court heard that Mr Watkins' friends and colleagues had grown concerned during the day as he had not arrived for his shift at the bar.

He had also not been answering their phone calls when they tried to check that he was alright.

Senior coroner for Suffolk Nigel Parsley read statements given by several witnesses, including one from Mr Watkins's friend, Craig Scott.

Shortly before 10pm, Mr Scott and his partner, Ginny Wiseman, called at Mr Watkins' flat in Old Foundry Road to check on him.

When they arrived, Mr Scott and his partner discovered Mr Watkins and tried to help him.

Mr Scott called emergency services, and Mr Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement by Mr Watkins’ brother, Malcolm, was read before the court.

Malcolm Watkins said that although his brother was a “mischievous” child, he went on to have a flourishing career in hospitality.

“Sean as a very private person,” Mr Watkins wrote. “He didn’t like to share his feelings with others.

“He was a proud person who could easily put on a brave face. Being in hospitality, you must work with a smile and hide any personal problems.

"He had a friendly face; people were drawn to him. He would always sit and talk with his friends, making them feel loved."

Mr Parsley ruled a conclusion of suicide.

He added that, in cases such as these, it was easy for friends and family members to ask themselves the ‘what if’ questions, wondering if they had missed signs.

However, he said that in the sad case of Sean Watkins’ death, there was nothing to suggest that Mr Watkins was struggling with his mental health, or that he would attempt to take his own life.

If you need urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and select option 2 or the Samaritans on 116 123. Both services are available 24 hours 7 days a week.