A FATHER who took his own life at a level crossing in Oxfordshire was found with birthday cards and photographs of his children.

Martin Berry, 51, was struck by a high-speed train in Steventon on October 25 last year.

An inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court on Tuesday (April 30) heard the former labourer had been struggling with bouts of depression and a drug addiction at the time of his death.

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He was found with birthday cards, believed to be from his children, along with photographs.

Coroner Nicholas Graham ruled that his death was one of suicide.

During the inquest, it was heard that Mr Berry, of Pudsey Close in Abingdon, had been spending time with his son in the hours prior to his death.

His son noted he had drunk two bottles of wine without eating and was ‘crying and seemed down’.

A report from his doctor noted that the divorced male had previously expressed suicidal thoughts and was prescribed antidepressants.

Mr Berry left the property at about 8pm by foot, the inquest was told. 

The train involved in the collision was a passenger train from Swindon to London Paddington.

It was travelling at 125mph before slowing down to 110mph which is the speed limit for a level crossing.

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British Transport Police, which provided a statement for the inquest, said the crossing has manually controlled barriers which are locally monitored by CCTV.

The track was clear and the barriers were lowered prior to the train approaching along with an audible alarm.

However, the driver noted as she approached the crossing she was ‘shocked’ to see a man walk onto the line.

Oxford Mail: The Steventon level crossing The Steventon level crossing (Image: Google)She said: “He walked quickly to the line and stepped onto the track and bent down from the waist.

"I didn’t have time to sound the alarm and I closed my eyes before I struck the male and felt a bump to the train.

“I am of the firm opinion that the males actions were intentional.”

Mr Berry was struck by the train at about 9.18pm and the emergency services were called to the crossing by the train driver.

A post-mortem examination was carried out and a medical cause of death was provided as ‘massive trauma’. A forensic examiner stated his injuries were ‘unsurvivable’.

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Concluding, coroner Mr Graham said: “Mr Berry took his own life when he placed himself in front of a train.

"He sadly died at the scene. I know there is nothing really I can say but I pass on my condolences.”

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