A HAMPSHIRE man’s body was found in the Solent following the breakdown of his marriage, an inquest heard.

Mark Webster had been married for around two years, but felt his wife no longer wanted him around three weeks before he died.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard the 62-year-old went to stay with his brother in Dudley Avenue, Hordle, which was recorded as his last address.

However, Mr Webster’s daughter Emma told the inquest that during that period before his death, he went on holiday alone to Spain.

She said: “I think the time on his own is what pushed him over the edge.”

Mr Webster’s wife, Sandra added: “I never thought he would do anything like this.”

Trying to shed light on why he decided to move out, Mrs Webster said: “Mark was a lovely guy, I can’t really say at what point our relationship broke down.

“I think Mark loved me too much.”

The inquest heard Mr Webster’s body was discovered by the Calshot RNLI on June 2 around a mile off Gurnard Ledge after a passing yacht reported a sighting.

Pathologist Dr Jeffrey Theaker confirmed that he had died as a result of drowning, and it was thought likely that he entered the water at some point the day before on June 1.

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a conclusion of suicide.

During the inquest, Mr Webster’s daughter described her father as her “best friend in the whole world”.