Cadbury worker took own life amid Kraft takeover fears

A Cadbury's worker of more than 30 years took his own life after fears he would get the sack following a take-over of the firm by American giant Kraft, an inquest heard.

Michael Davies, of Brookfields, Weston Rhyn, near Oswestry, was found dead on Valentine's Day this year in woodland off Chirk Road.

An inquest yesterday heard he left letters at his home revealing he had money worries and feared losing his job at the chocolate maker's Chirk plant. Mr Davies also described feelings of loneliness.

Andrew Berkley , assistant deputy coroner for mid and north west Shropshire, recorded a verdict that Mr Davies killed himself. He accepted the cause of death as hanging.

A statement by Mr Davies's sister Susan Thomas, read out at yesterday's inquest at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court, described her brother as a quiet and private man, although she enjoyed a good relationship with him.

Mrs Thomas said her brother had worked at Cadbury's for many years and was well respected by colleagues who she said described him as "being part of the Cadbury's family".

"After Cadbury's take-over by another company Michael was worried about the possibility of losing his job because he had worked there for 32 years," she said.

Mrs Thomas said she also had found out that her brother had been borrowing money from friends, which she described as unusual for him. She said: "I don't know why he would take his own life other than possibly money worries or loneliness."

Cadbury said today that its Chirk plant had been unaffected by the takeover. Spokesman, Mr Tony Bilsborough said: "Our thoughts are with Michael's family at this very sad time."