Loan sharks lead man to suicide

Leonard Jagne, 41, let his debt spiral out of control but rather than speak to authorities about his financial problems or the physical intimidation he let them continue, the Eastbourne Herald reports.

East Sussex coroner Alan Craze said: “He was considerably frightened and unhappy about what was being done to him in relation to a loan. It’s such a pity the police were not involved because they are the only people who could have done something about it.

“If they had been involved the probability is he would still be with us.”

Mr Jagne’s death is the latest in a series of suicides in recent months involving debt and loan repayments.

Others have taken their life over debt to mainstream banks and not just loan sharks, but professionals say that advice is available for all situations.

Seeking help for financial problems is always preferable to simply hoping that debt will go away by itself.