Royal guard's suicide over fines

One of the Queen's guardsmen hanged himself over money worries exacerbated by three sets of bailiffs seeking £1,000 for parking fines and congestion charges, an inquest heard today.

Simon Wall, Corporal of the Horse in the Life Guards, had his bank account and credit cards frozen despite taking out loans for thousands of pounds, Westminster Coroner's Court was told.

The 36-year-old, also known as Max Wall, of St John's Wood Barracks was found hanging from a ceremonial bridle chain in stables on 21 April at Hyde Park Barracks.

Acting Inspector Paul Blanchflower said Mr Wall, who served in Bosnia, had a £600 overdraft and two loans to repay, one of £8,700. There were also three "trivial matters that escalated", a parking fine from York, which increased to £268; an unpaid £5 congestion charge and £40 fine, plus bailiff 's costs; and a parking fine for the City of Westminster for which he needed to pay £435. "Three sets of bailiffs were after him for over £1,018," said Mr Blanchflower.

Recording a suicide verdict, coroner Dr Paul Knapman said: "What a terrible tragedy... I believe these bailiffs' fees are being looked at."

Fiance Lesley-Anne Peyton-Gilbert, of Milton Keynes, declined to comment after the hearing.