A father of three took his own life, an inquest heard.

James Pavitt, 37, was found upstairs at his home address in Grove Road, Harpenden, on the morning of October 26 last year.

At The Old Courthouse in Hatfield on Wednesday, senior coroner Geoffrey Sullivan confirmed the cause of death as asphyxiation.

Mr Pavitt, a pilot, was found in his home with no top on after concern had been raised for his welfare by his ex-girlfriend, the court heard.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Pavitt was a former player at Old Albanians Rugby Club, where he had played for a number of years.

In a tribute on the St Albans-based team’s website, Mr Pavitt was described as a “huge personality on and off the pitch” and played a part in the club’s rise up the National Leagues.

Thanking the family for coming, Mr Sullivan said he was sorry for their loss.