A company director from Wokingham was found dead in woodland behind his home after taking cocaine and alcohol, an inquest has heard.
Robert Melita, 34, was discovered at around 19:30pm on 12 December, 2024, in woodland off Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead. A bottle of whisky was found nearby.
An inquest at Reading Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Melita had been at work earlier that day and had returned home to drop off equipment. He was last seen at about 3pm and last made contact with anyone an hour later, when he sent a series of text messages indicating distress.
South Central Ambulance Service attended the scene, but Mr Melita was pronounced dead.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be compression of the neck by ligature. Toxicology results showed cocaine and alcohol in his system — the latter at twice the legal drink-drive limit.
Assistant Coroner for Berkshire, Katy Thorne KC, said Mr Melita had “suffered from low mood and difficulties with drugs and alcohol for some time”.
She noted he had been referred to support services but had cancelled his appointments and did not access treatment.
Delivering her conclusion in writing on 27 October, Ms Thorne said the levels of alcohol and drugs present did not affect Mr Melita’s ability to form intent. She concluded he had taken his own life.
Mr Melita, who was born in Frimley, Surrey, was identified at the scene by his brother, Daniel.
Ms Thorne added: “I would like to express my condolences to Robert’s family and friends for their loss.”
