A company owner with a history of depression was killed instantly when he was hit by a fast-moving train, an inquest heard.

Keith Stannard, 62, had been prescribed anti-depressants ten months before being killed near Hamsey level crossing, near Lewes.

He had left his car unlocked in a lane near the station before heading on to the tracks and into the path of the 20.47 London Victoria to Eastbourne South Central train on March 16.

The Eastbourne inquest yesterday heard a statement from train driver Alan Neville, who at first thought he had struck an animal as sparks flew from beneath the train.

Mr Stannard, of Park Street, Falmer, was pronounced dead from multiple injuries by paramedics at the scene, 12ft past the cattle grid.

His wife Angela said he had become insular, sleeping alone downstairs and staying indoors.

On the night of his death, the couple shared a casserole meal, watched television before Mrs Stannard retired to bed at 9pm.

Later, she was woken by a knock and looked out of the window to see police who broke the news of her husband's death.

His son, Matthew, of Queen's Road, Crowborough, said his father had done nothing to arouse suspicions that he would commit suicide.

Recording an open verdict, coroner Alan Craze said it was a "probable" suicide but this was insufficient to bring in a suicide verdict.

He said: "In the absence of any past inclination to take his own life and, more importantly, any witnesses, it would only be right to record an open verdict."