A school male nurse was found hanged days after he was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism, an inquest heard.

Neil Riley was discovered by police in his bedroom on Walmsley Street, Great Harwood, on November 16 last year.

After the inquest police said that he had been suspected of setting up a hidden camera to spy on staff at Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe.

The hearing at Blackburn Coroners’ Court had heard how Mr Riley had been suspended from his position as a nurse at the boarding school.

The inquest was also told that he was ‘highly likely’ to face voyeurism charges and lose his job.

Coroner Michael Singleton said that Mr Riley was on bail at the time of his death.

He recorded a verdict that the 54-year-old had intended to take his own life.

Detective Constable Jane Lawrenson, of Lancashire police, said she and an officer carried out a welfare check at Mr Riley’s home on November 16 – five days after he’d been arrested.

She told the inquest the check was taking place as no one at Stonyhurst College had heard from Mr Riley since his arrest.

She said after forcibly entering the house Mr Riley was found dead upstairs in a bedroom.

When the coroner asked DC Lawrenson if there was a serious risk that Mr Riley would be prosecuted for voyeurism, the detective said ‘yes’.

The hearing heard how Mr Riley had lived alone after separating from his wife Yvonne Riley in March last year.

Mrs Riley, a teacher, told the inquest her husband was a dedicated nurse who had cared for a lot of people throughout his life.

She said: “He was very good at his job.

“People respected him for the kindness and care he showed towards them.

“He liked growing vegetables on his allotment and enjoyed art. He had a lot of friends.”

When asked by the coroner if Mr Riley’s problems with the police ‘would have affected him greatly’, Mrs Riley said: “He could be quite closed. I didn’t get any impression that he was depressed or down.

“I think if he thought he was going to lose his job that would affect him.

“His work was very important to him. He didn’t tell anyone the trouble he was in.

“He was a private man. We don’t understand why he did what he did.”

Coroner Mr Singleton told the hearing: “There was a high likelihood that charges would be brought against him and he would be suspended from his position.

“Neil Riley in acting the way he did intended to bring about his own demise.”

The coroner referred to him as a private person unable to discuss his problems with other people.

He added: “If he would have spoken to family and friends he would have realised he had a great deal of support.”

Following the inquest a spokesman for Stonyhurst College said: “Sadly Mr Riley was found dead at his home on Friday, November 16. Earlier in November concerns had been raised about Mr Riley’s conduct. The college cooperated fully with the police investigation.”