Much-loved York businessman took his own life after becoming worried about financial pressure of Covid-19

Richard Baines, 52, founded York-based Autohorn Fleet Services in 1995 and the company now has over 60 staff and 2,000 vehicles. The self-made former car salesman was also involved in several other businesses.

An inquest into his death was held today (August 19) at County Hall in Northallerton and was attended by his wife Frances and sisters Katie and Rachael.

Mr Baines was found dead beside his Range Rover in a farmer's field in Naburn on June 2. A note addressed to his wife was found in the passenger seat.

An autopsy found there were no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system. The note contained an apology to his wife and said he 'couldn't cope any more'.

On the day of his death, the couple had breakfast together and walked their dog before he said he had to go into work for a few hours. Later in the day they spoke twice on the phone before his body was found by a farmer at around 4pm. The day before, the family enjoyed a barbecue to celebrate his birthday and he played a round of golf with his youngest son.

In a statement read to the inquest, Mrs Baines said she had met her husband when she was just 19 and the couple were working in Jersey for a summer. They later travelled around Australia together before she fell pregnant with their eldest son Harry, now 30. They moved back to York where Mr Baines began working in the car industry, and two more sons, Jack and George, were later born.

He was keen on the outdoors and his hobbies included golf, surfing and pheasant shooting.

"He was so driven and determined," Mrs Baines said. "We were blissfully happy together and he was my soulmate. He was the kindest, gentlest, most generous man and the best husband and father who lived a life full of love."

The inquest heard Mr Baines successfully expanded his businesses and in recent years became less hands-on, though he retained directorships.

She added: "He had real purpose and he loved adventure. We had travelled the world together. We started with very little, but his drive created a wonderful life for us. He was the most positive person I know.

"Many people shared their problems with him and he wanted to give them support. He took on so much emotionally. He could be a worrier, but he was really open with his feelings. As he was self-employed, he tended to worry about his responsibilities."

In March 2020, when lockdown began, Mr Baines became more stressed, anxious and worried about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on his businesses, the inquest was told. The couple had recently moved house and taken on a larger mortgage.

"He was worried about the economy and the effect on his business, and what the future held for us," Mrs Baines added. "He was feeling low. We had talked about living a more simple life, but I did not feel he was struggling mentally. Nothing was out of the ordinary.

"He was a bit quieter than normal but nobody had any concerns because he was so open about his anxieties. He wasn't taking any medication and had no health conditions.

"When we chatted, he didn't sound any more stressed than normal. I had no idea that would be the last time I would ever speak to him. There was no indication anything was wrong.

"I still feel in total shock and disbelief. Richard was the last person I'd expect to do this. He was larger than life and so positive. We are totally devastated - he was the pinnacle of our family."

Assistant coroner for North Yorkshire Jonathan Heath recorded a verdict of suicide.