BRINK’S-MAT robbery ringleader Micky McAvoy killed himself by overdosing on sleeping pills after his wife’s death, a coroner has ruled.

       The 71-year-old was found dead on New Year’s Day last year, six months after his wife Kathleen died from a heart attack.

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       Micky McAvoy ..Brinks Mat Robbery Credit: Mirrorpix

       An inquest heard he had been tormented by grief, shunned cancer treatment and threatened to take his own life.

       McAvoy was one of six men who stole gold bullion worth ￡26million from the Brink’s-Mat cargo warehouse at Heathrow in 1983.

       He got 25 years’ jail — and was ripped off for his share.

       The record-breaking robbery and its violent aftermath later featured in the highly-acclaimed BBC1 drama The Gold.

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       Coroner Jonathan Landau heard gave a narrative verdict at South London coroner’s court and said it appeared McAvoy had intended to take his own life in his flat in Bromley.

       Close family friend Stephen Brown discovered McAvoy’s body at his flat in Bromley, South London, on New Year’s Day.

       He said “everyday was a struggle” for McAvoy.

       Mr Brown added: “He would regularly make comments about his life, suggesting he did not want to be alive any longer and wanted to be with his wife.”

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       McAvoy’s daughter Keeley Gainey said: “It has been the most devastating loss for us all. We will never come to terms with the loss of my father.

       “We truly believe this was an accident. He would never have done this to himself or his family intentionally.”

       You're Not Alone

       EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide

       It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

       It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.

       And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

       Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

       That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.

       The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

       Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.

       If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

       CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858 Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk HUMEN www.wearehumen.org Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123