A mother has paid tribute to her 'lovely' son, after an inquest into his death was held this afternoon.

Musician and graphic designer Andrew Croft - who was also known as Andy Sacre - died on April 16, at his home in Northcote Road, Norwich.

His mother, Carol Croft, had been concerned for his welfare and when she was unable to use her key to get into his home she called the police.

But Norfolk Coroner's Court heard today that when police forced entry to the property, they found 46-year-old Mr Croft had hanged himself.

In a statement read out by area coroner Yvonne Blake, Mrs Croft said: 'As a child Andrew was a happy child, and had a good upbringing. He was sociable and had a good number of friends.'

But the statement said how he had been deeply affected by his father taking his own life when Mr Croft was 18, and also his sister Georgina's death by suicide in 2006.

The Coroner's Court heard how Mr Croft had been very close to his sister, and had taken her to hospital after an attempted overdose. But she had later left Hellesdon Hospital and taken her own life.

'He felt guilty about her death as she had tried calling him,' the statement said.

'He started playing music to help him cope but he was never the same.'

Mrs Blake gave a narrative verdict, and decided not to give a verdict of suicide as she could not be sure of Mr Croft's thoughts at the time.

She said: 'I'm not convinced to the criminal standard necessary he knew what he was doing. I don't know what was in his mind but I'm not satisfied he was thinking clearly. Mr Croft was found deceased, he had taken his own life. That will be it.'

Speaking after the inquest Mrs Croft said: 'He was just such a lovely young man. Very talented.

'It's been very difficult, I lost my husband and my daughter.'

Mrs Croft brought up her daughters two sons after her death.

She said 21-year-old Antony and 18-year-old Oliver had looked up to Mr Croft 'as a man in their lives'.

'He was my lovely son, he was just all round a lovely man.'

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