A 36-YEAR-OLD teacher killed himself by lighting a disposable barbecue in his car in Belbroughton, an inquest heard.

Anthony Morbach-Jenkins, from Red Brick Close, Cradley Heath, was found dead in his car in a layby in Newtown Lane on September 22 - Worcestershire Coroner's Court in Stourport was told at an inquest on Monday (December 21).

Worcestershire coroner Geraint Williams said witness Amy Parks first noticed Mr Morbach-Jenkins in the front seat of the vehicle on her way to work at North Worcestershire Equestrian Centre in Woodfield Lane.

She said he looked as if he was sleeping but sometime later she noticed the car was still there and returned with her boss to investigate.

Police were alerted and Mr Morbach-Jenkins was found dead - along with a burnt out disposable barbecue in the boot of the car. A note was also found.

Forensic toxicologist Kerry Taylor found high levels of carbon monoxide in his blood, Mr Williams told the inquest - and he confirmed the teacher had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

He said Mr Morbach-Jenkins and his wife had separated in July 2014 and the teacher, who had taught at St Peter's Catholic School in Solihull since 2009, had a history of depression for which he had been seeing his GP.

He said: "I'm satisfied and certain Mr Morbach-Jenkins did intend to take his own life and I reach a conclusion that he committed suicide."