An inquest into the death of a man found dead in Fleet Pond Woods was adjourned at Winchester Coroner’s Court on Thursday.

The body of Daniel Steven Jones, 40, of Pawley Close, Tongham, was discovered on November 9, 2025, following a search by Hampshire and Surrey police officers.

Assistant coroner Sunyana Sharma heard part of the evidence before calling a halt to the proceedings shortly after 4pm.

The inquest was attended by Daniel’s mum and dad, Lisa Loveday and Albert Jones, and his sister Laura Jones.

In her statement, his mum said Daniel - known as Danny to his family - was a “much-loved son” who loved his job as a mobile mechanic.

She added that he was “hard-working, generous and kind” but had struggled for years with his mental health and in the months before his death had twice attempted to take his own life. He then ran into severe financial difficulties which led to his dad buying his van off him and paying his bills.

His mum said he wanted to settle down, get married and have children, but he had struggled to find anywhere permanent to live.

Daniel’s dad described him as “a bit of a rogue, but polite and respectful”, and said his main fear was going back to prison.

Dr Osama Ayad, a forensic psychiatrist for the North East Hants Community Mental Health Recovery Service, met Daniel on June 30, 2025. He said he was suffering from “low mood, suicidal thoughts and impulsive behaviour, made worse by alcohol and cocaine”.

Telling the court that Daniel once spent £4,000 in a week on cocaine, Dr Ayad added: “He was very proud of his job but most of his money was going on drugs.”

Dr Ayad said he also suspected that Daniel had ADHD, but it would have needed a specialist to make that diagnosis.

He concluded: “I would like to express my sincere condolences. I know it is a tragic event.”

Daniel’s former partner, Charlene Campbell, gave evidence in a statement. She said she had known Danny since they were children, as their parents were friends before they were born, and they had got back in touch four years ago.

Their on-off relationship ended in the summer of 2025, but Charlene said she last saw Danny on November 7, when he asked her if they could give it another go. He later sent her a message saying ‘Goodbye Charlene. Beautiful person I have ever seen.’

PC Bella White, of Surrey Police, said Daniel’s dad had called the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to report him missing on the night of November 8.

She added that the call was transferred to Surrey Police, as Daniel was living in Surrey, and they received it at 10.06pm. Officers including PC White were despatched to his parents’ house at 10.26pm and arrived there at 10.57pm.

His parents said he had sent them a message at 3.39pm which they only saw at 10pm. It read ‘I’m out of fuel. My keys are in my pocket. I’m in Fleet Pond Woods. Love you both. Goodbye.’ Daniel was last seen by Charlene at 4pm.

PC White said officers searched his bedroom at his auntie’s house next door, went to Charlene’s home and searched Fleet Pond Woods, where he was eventually found.

With new documents arriving in the court, and more evidence still to be heard, the coroner adjourned the inquest at 4.08pm and said it would resume on October 13 at 10am.