A St Albans father who died after self harming could have been the victim of blackmail, an inquest has heard.

Michael Wain, also known as Gerald, from Cottonmill Lane, was found dead from asphyxiation in the early hours of Saturday, May 17, near a goalpost in playing fields off Old Oak Lane.

Hertfordshire Coroners Court heard police and forensics teams scoured the scene for evidence, but their investigation concluded there was no third party involvement in the immediate act which led to the 53-year-old's death.

However, senior coroner Edward Thomas said his family believed Mr Wain was being blackmailed and the stress of the situation may have contributed to his state of mind.

Mr Thomas said: "I understand there is a belief he felt under a lot of pressure because he was being blackmailed, which put him under a lot of stress - but it is not for me to determine whether this was the case or not."

Mr Wain was found to have almost two and a half times the driving limit of alcohol in his system during the post mortem examination.

Mr Thomas said being intoxicated would likely have impaired his judgement and coordination.

He said: "Someone in distress, so much so as to drink - and there was still drink in his stomach - raises the possibility with me that this could have been a cry for help."

During the inquest, Mr Wain’s son said the family "just want answers".

PC James Irlen, attached to St Albans Police Station, was one of the responding officers who attended after Mr Wain’s body was discovered.

He told the court: "Initial investigation at the scene uncovered nothing untoward from a police perspective."

No note was found either on Mr Wain or in the family home.

Mr Thomas determined Mr Wain did not intend to take his own life and ruled his death a result of self harm.

He said: "My determination is one of self harm. It’s not definite that he wanted to die - there was no note, nothing on him and he was distressed."

Addressing Mr Wain’s family, Mr Thomas added: "This must be so awful for you. I feel so very sorry for you all."