A much-loved Dartford footballer was found hanged from the loft at his mother’s home, an inquest heard.

Christon Sookoo, 30, was discovered by his stepfather, lying on his back, at the house in Dartford on December 1 last year.

An inquest held today (March 9) at Gravesend Old Town Hall heard he left behind a suicide note which read: “I've f***** up again, I love you all, I’m sorry”.

His family had seen him the previous night and said that there was no sign he was suffering with depression.

Mr Sookoo had a gambling problem and owed a large amount of money to the tax office – betting slips and an iPhone were found in his bedroom on the day he died, the inquest was told.

The keen gymnast had previously attempted to hang himself in July last year.

The Trinidad-born man told his girlfriend but did not want to attend any group therapy sessions as he said he was getting better.

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Mr Sookoo's football team pay tribute to him

Recording a verdict of suicide, senior coroner Roger Hatch said the Halls AFC football player had intended to take his own life.

A cause of death was given as suspension – and his death was not ruled as suspicious.

Childhood friend Lee Barnett paid tribute to Mr Sookoo last month.

He said: “It’s hard to cope with it all, I still pick up my phone thinking that I’ll ring him later and then remember that I can’t.

“He always had a smile on his face and he would do anything for anyone. I honestly find it hard to say a bad word about him. It was just such a shock.”

A charity event at Dartford Goals on March 20 – the day Mr Sookoo would have turned 31 – has been arranged by his friends.