A MAN took his own life in his car on the hard shoulder on the M6 near Penrith, an inquest has heard.

Andrzej Zagonczyk, 32, was found close to the Junction 40 Penrith Interchange in the early hours of October 17 last year.

An inquest into the death of Mr Zagonczyk, who grew up in Poland, was held at Cockermouth Coroner's Court on Tuesday (November 13).

The inquest heard he had been taken to hospital in Glasgow, where he had lived since 2015, by his sister the day before his death where he was assessed.

He appeared "very startled and suspicious", the court heard, and said he had issues with sleeping.

He said he didn't have any thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Mr Zagonczyk was referred to the crisis team for further assessments, but they were unable to get in touch with him.

He told his family he was taking a holiday to see a friend in London, but then later told them he was returning to Glasgow.

His family reported increasing 'strange' behaviour, including delusion and making grandiose requests, in the months leading up to his death, the inquest heard.

Mr Zagonczyk had a history of alcohol abuse and drug use but a toxicology report found no substances in his system at the death of his death.

Coroner Nick Shaw said: "I have little doubt that he was suffering from a psychotic illness."

Mr Shaw recorded a narrative conclusion. "You could not call this a deliberate case of suicide, he was ill," he said.