'Devoted' father took own life after ten-year relationship ended
A 'devoted' father-of-three took his own life by taking a 'massive' overdose of prescribed drugs within weeks of his ten-year relationship with his girlfriend breaking down.
Craig Golder had suffered for years with chronic back pain alongside other physical problems and had been prescribed numerous painkillers.
But on the evening of June 11 the 32-year-old did not appear from his bedroom at his home in Flaxley Road, Rugeley, even though he was due to go to work at Screwfix in Stafford where he did night shifts.
His partner Emma Halford became concerned after she knocked on the door and called his mobile phone only to get no response.
When she forced the door open she found Craig lying on the bed lifeless.
Two weeks prior to that Miss Halford had broke the news that she wished to end their ten-year relationship, an inquest at Cannock Coroner's Court heard.
Nevertheless she told the Express & Star how much he would be missed.
Miss Halford said: "We would like Craig to be remembered as the happy friendly man everyone knew him as, he was a devoted Dad and his memory will live on in his children. We will love you forever and miss you always."
Giving evidence PC Emma Smith said police were called to the home at 10.37pm by paramedics.
She confirmed a suicide note had been left at his bedside.
PC Smith added: Two weeks prior to his death Craig's partner told him she wished to end the relationship."
A toxicology report revealed keen fisherman Craig had up to 25 times the associated fatal amounts of prescription drugs in his system.
Coroner Andrew Haigh delivered a verdict of suicide.
He added: "He was a young man but sadly he had suffered with substantial back pain for a number of years which had a knock-on effect on his mental health.
"His partner indicated they had no future together although at the time they were still living together.
"On Sunday, June 11, his partner was dealing with the children while he was asleep because of work when concerns arose from his partner that evening because he had not got up.
"After a while she gets into the bedroom and makes the most unpleasant discovery of him dead inside. The police attend and there is no suggestion of third party involvement.
"We have heard the toxicology report.
"It was a massive overdose of medication.
"Craig had also left a number of farewell notes.
"I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt he has intended to kill himself."
