A Southampton doctor took his life after struggling to come to terms with an allegation of “inapproptiate conduct” at a maternity unit was made against him.

Ioannis Douridas, 38, was found dead in his city flat on August 25, 2015, after the allegation was made regarding his conduct while working the Princess Anne Hospital.

The inquest into his death was dramatically halted on December 10, after his family criticised the investigation into his death.

The hearing at Winchester Coroner's Court was told how Dr Douridas, who is originally from Athens, Greece, had told his family he had an affair with an unnamed married midwife at the hospital, where he began working in March 2015.

Dr Douridas, a senior fellow in gynaecological surgery, was described by colleagues and family as having a good sense of humour and was said to be a popular member of staff.

But the inquest heard that after Marie Watkyns, a colleague at the hospital, texted Dr Douridas and told him about the allegation against him he flew into a rage.

Ms Watkyns said she was friendly with Dr Douridas and told the coroner's court: "He was happy, humorous, dedicated to his job and he was well-liked in the department.

"He was both furious at me and about the allegation.

"I expected it to some extent but not as bad as it was, and he explained that he was so angry with me because he felt I had believed what had been said.

"He also sent a long message saying that such conduct was far removed from his culture or anything that he would ever consider."

Dr Douridas then sent a text message to Ms Watkyns saying "It was nice to meet you..." only hours before he died.

He called off work sick on Monday, August 24, and the following day police broke down the door to his flat at South Western House, Southampton and found him hanging.

The inquest on December 10, heard evidence from colleagues and police but William Bache, representing Dr Douridas' family, raised questions about why his two phones, iPad and laptop computer were not checked.

It was also discovered that CCTV footage from his building was never viewed because police waited too long to request it from the company who owned it, and three knives found in the flat were not tested for blood, tissue, or fingerprints.

DC Caroline Price explained that because the flat was locked from the inside, carrying out these investigations was deemed unnecessary.

Mr Bache told the coroner's court that Dr Douridas had been in high spirits only days before his death, and his family were keen to find out why he died.

He said: "One of the key things for ascertaining this fundamental information is by examining what he has said and what has been said to him.

"It's perfectly plain that the vast majority of that information must be found in the telephones and quite possibly in the computer and the iPad."

A spokesman for University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust refused to provide any information regarding the allegation against Dr Douridas but said: "Ioannis was a well-liked, conscientious and valued member of our obstetrics and gynaecology team and all of his colleagues were deeply saddened by his tragic death.

"Our thoughts remain with Ioannis’s family at what continues to be a very difficult and upsetting time for them.

"We will continue to support to them, and his close colleagues and friends, in any way we can."

Coroner Grahame Short today recorded verdict of suicide.

Mr Short said: “I do not know what precisely was in Dr Douridas mind. I believe he feared disciplinary proceedings, a loss of reputation and being dismissed, ending his career that he worked so long to progress.

“I do not know if any of the allegations are true or what the consequences would have been. What was important is how perceived his position and his future.”