A RETIRED farmer who plunged 30 feet from a third floor window had a history of nervous breakdowns, a coroner's court heard.

James Townsend died after being found badly injured outside his Rashwood Farm, Droitwich, home, having told his wife he was going to check on the sheep.

An attic window was open and Mr Townsend told an ambulance crew he had come from "up there," pointing to the window.

The 75-year-old was admitted to Worcester's Newtown Hospital with depression in 1979 and underwent treatment at various times for mental illness.

He had decided to retire from farming and was worried about the farm's future, the inquest at Stourbridge heard yesterday.

Mr Townsend's mental state had worsened for two days before the incident on Monday, June 19.

The night before he was restless and his family feared he might suffer another breakdown.

He went to bed and took a sleeping tablet before waking at 4am and telling his wife Doreen he was going to check on the sheep.

She woke at 6am with him still missing and noticed the door to the attic and attic window were open but presumed it was because of the heat.

Mr Townsend's son found his father outside the front door below the window.

He told his family he would be all right.

He was certified dead at Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester, at 7.25am.

The cause of death was shock and haemorrhaging due to multiple injuries, which included a cut left leg and a fractured skull.

Worcester coroner Victor Round recorded an open verdict.

"We don't know if he jumped or fell," said Mr Round.

"There were more obvious ways of committing suicide. He had a shotgun and ammunition."