THE body of a missing man was left in the back of a lorry that was used in a horror film after he was mistaken for a movie prop.

Ian Roberts was found hanging in the vehicle in a compound in Warrington, but due to believing his body was a ‘dummy’, it wasn’t reported straight away.

An inquest into the 35-year-old’s death was held at Cheshire Coroner’s Court on Wednesday where it was heard that Mr Roberts had a history of mental health problems.

Here, assistant coroner Sarah Murphy read a statement from Mr Roberts' GP who said he had been seen on several occasions for anxiety and depression – both of which he was prescribed treatment for.

The court heard how Mr Roberts had expressed suicidal thoughts on one occasion and was referred to James’ Place - which provides help for suicidal men - and that he was also put in contact with the crisis team.

Contact was made with Mr Roberts, who was from Liverpool, on various occasions to check in. Within these check-ups, he said he was depressed but was not expressing suicidal thoughts.

In October 2022, police issued a plea for help in locating Mr Roberts who had last been spotted in Warrington.

Warrington Guardian:

Then on December 2, emergency services were called to reports of a man’s body being found on School Brow.

In a written statement from one of the informants, it was heard how the lorry, which belonged to a family member, had previously been used in a film set for a horror movie but had since been stored in a compound on School Brow.

Prior to December 2, he had attended the compound, which was locked and secured with barbed wire around it to prevent access, to see if the lorry was still driveable.

When he got there, he found the front window had been smashed in and the curtain inside had also been cut.  The engine also wouldn’t start.

When he looked through the curtain, he saw what he thought was a dummy that he assumed had been used on the set of a film. But it was actually the body of Mr Roberts.

Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard how the owner of the lorry then drove up from London to try and get the engine to start which is when he discovered the body.

He called the original informant who then attended the scene and called the police.

Mr Roberts was sadly declared dead on the evening of December 2.

During the hearing, Ms Murphy also read a statement from detective chief inspector Maggie Cassidy who was involved in the case.

She said how a note was found in the lorry from Mr Roberts in which he showed an intention of ending his life and that it appeared he had been there for a ‘prolonged time’.

DCI Cassidy said that there were no suspicious circumstances around Mr Roberts’ death.

Ms Murphy concluded that Mr Roberts took his own life.

She said: “I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Ian Roberts for his untimely death.”

If you have been affected by this story and would like to talk to someone, call Samaritans for free from any phone on 116123.

Alternatively, Papyrus is dedicated to helping people under 35 at risk of suicide through its HopelineUK service.

Visit papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/ or call 0800 068 4141, text 07786209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org