A GAMBLING addict was found hanging in a area of woodland around two weeks after taking his own life, an inquest heard.

Adrian Costache disappeared in August after he last seen using fruit machines in an Eastleigh bookmakers, sparking a police search.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard Mr Costache was in financial trouble after taking money from the Chinese restaurant where he was the manager to fund his addiction.

He had also been spending family savings and failing to pay rent for his home in Desborough Road, Eastleigh, leaving his wife and son facing eviction.

PC Olivia Lucas told the inquest that the 30-year-old, originally from Romania, had gone missing on August 10.

PC Lucas said: “He was last seen in the Betfred betting shop on August 10 playing on the fruit machines, he had won about £550.

“He was told to come back later to cash it, but never came back.”

Following analysis of his phone data, police managed to trace the mobile to a wooded area in Allbrook, where officers found Mr Costache’s body on August 25, some 15 days after he was last seen.

Due to the condition of his body, it is thought he died on the day he went missing, although senior coroner Grahame Short could not say for certain.

PC Lucas also told the inquest that Mr Costache was borrowing money without bosses knowing from the Chinese restaurant in the Swan Centre, Eastleigh, where he worked and had been paying it back, but before he died still had £1,300 outstanding.

The inquest heard that Mr Costache had been gambling for a number of years and used fruit machines, casinos and betting websites.

Mr Short recorded a conclusion of suicide.

If you, or anyone you know, is suffering with a gambling addition you can call national support service GamCare on freephone number 08088 020133.

A spokeswoman for the group said: “For many people gambling is not a harmful activity, but for some it can become a serious problem. We believe it’s important for people to properly understand the risks associated with gambling, and for them to be able to access timely advice and support to prevent a problem developing.”